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foment

verb

/fə(ʊ)ˈmɛnt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of foment

To promote, incite, or encourage undesirable actions, feelings, or behaviors, typically with the intent of stirring up discord, unrest, or controversy.
"He was accused of trying to foment a rebellion against the government."

Detailed meaning of foment

When someone or something is said to foment, it means they are actively fostering or provoking certain conditions, such as social or political unrest, agitation, or conflict. This term often implies a deliberate effort to create tension or strife by inflaming passions, disseminating propaganda, or encouraging negative sentiments. "Foment" is commonly used in discussions related to political manipulation, social upheaval, or situations where individuals or groups seek to generate instability or dissent for their own purposes, often to the detriment of a peaceful and harmonious environment.

Example sentences containing foment

1. The radical leader sought to foment rebellion among the oppressed.
2. His inflammatory remarks were designed to foment anger and division.
3. Social media can be a platform to foment both positive and negative movements.
4. The agitator's goal was to foment chaos in the peaceful protest.
5. The politician's speech aimed to foment unity among the citizens.
6. Foreign interference can foment instability within a nation.

History and etymology of foment

The verb 'foment' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'fomentum,' which referred to a warm application or poultice used in medical treatments to soothe or promote healing. This Latin term was derived from 'fovere,' meaning 'to heat' or 'to warm.' Over time, in English, 'foment' took on a figurative meaning, signifying the act of promoting, inciting, or encouraging undesirable actions, feelings, or behaviors, often with the intent of stirring up discord, unrest, or controversy. The connection to the concept of warmth or heat from its Latin origins underscores the idea of stirring things up, making 'foment' an apt word for describing actions aimed at igniting controversy or agitation.

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Further usage examples of foment

1. The rumors began to foment fear and mistrust in the community.
2. The conspiracy theorist tried to foment paranoia about the government.
3. The journalist was accused of trying to foment panic with her reporting.
4. The protest organizers did not intend to foment violence.
5. The extremist group's propaganda seeks to foment hatred.
6. The teacher tried to foment curiosity and critical thinking in her students.
7. The diplomat worked to foment diplomatic relations between the countries.
8. The propaganda campaign was meant to foment anti-government sentiment.
9. The union leader hoped to foment solidarity among the workers.
10. His divisive rhetoric only served to foment animosity between the groups.
11. The undercover agent aimed to foment distrust among the spies.
12. The extremist's blog post was intended to foment extremist views.
13. The inflammatory article had the potential to foment public outrage.
14. The demagogue used fearmongering to foment support for his agenda.
15. The group's efforts to foment change in the community were met with resistance.
16. The politician was accused of trying to foment division among the voters.
17. The company's marketing campaign was designed to foment excitement about the new product.
18. The activist tried to foment support for the cause by organizing protests and rallies.
19. The social media post was designed to foment outrage among the readers.
20. The extremist group was accused of trying to foment violence and chaos.
21. The younger brother knew exactly how to foment an argument between his two older sisters.
22. The rumor that was spread was designed to foment distrust in the government.
23. The lobbyist was accused of trying to foment change in the legislation in favor of their clients.
24. The teacher tried to foment a love of learning in her students.
25. The journalist was accused of trying to foment panic with their sensationalized reporting.
26. The group's efforts to foment change in the company's policies were successful.