I. ˈfōˌment noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin fomentum, from (assumed) Old Latin fovementum, from Latin fovēre to warm + -mentum -ment — more at day
1. : fomentation
2. : a state of excitation : ferment
II. (ˈ) ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English fomenten, from Late Latin fomentare, from Latin fomentum
1. : to apply hot moist cloths to (the body) : treat with moist heat
2. : to nurse to life or activity : promote the growth of : rouse , incite , encourage , instigate
a special need for fomenting exchanges of professors, students, and publications — D.D.Brand
— usually used in an unfavorable sense
foment revolution
foment riots
3. obsolete : excite
Synonyms: see incite