Foment - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Foment means to stir up or encourage trouble, rebellion, or unrest, often deliberately. It is typically used in contexts where someone incites discontent or agitation among others.
Definition:
To instigate or stir up trouble, rebellion, or discontent.
Synonyms:
Incite, provoke, agitate, instigate
Part of Speech:
Verb
Antonyms:
Quell, suppress
Common Collocations:
Foment rebellion, foment dissent, foment unrest
Derivatives:
Fomentation, fomenter
Usage Tips:
Use "foment" to describe deliberate actions that provoke unrest or agitation, often in political or social contexts.
Common Phrases:
Foment trouble, foment a riot, foment discord
Etymology:
From Latin *fomentum*, meaning "poultice" or "incitement," via Old French *fomenter*.
Examples:
- 1. The politician was accused of trying to foment unrest among the workers.
- 2. Rumors can foment fear and distrust in a community.
- 3. His speech aimed to foment rebellion against the government.
- 4. She denied trying to foment discord within the team.
- 5. The article sought to foment debate about climate change policies.