— fomenter , n.
/foh ment"/ , v.t.
1. to instigate or foster (discord, rebellion, etc.); promote the growth or development of: to foment trouble; to foment discontent.
2. to apply warm water or medicated liquid, ointments, etc., to (the surface of the body).
[ 1350-1400; ME fomenten fomentare, v. deriv. of L fomentum soothing application, poultice, contr. of * fovimentum, equiv. to fov ( ere ) to keep warm + -i- -I- + -mentum -MENT ]
Syn. 1. incite, provoke, arouse, inflame, excite, stir up; encourage, stimulate.