Meaning & use
foment
Last updated
To instigate or stir up trouble, discontent, or violence.
See it in a sentence
Extremist leaders often foment division to gain political power.
The article was accused of trying to foment panic about the economy.
A note on using this word
Often paired with abstract nouns like "unrest," "rebellion," or "discontent" rather than concrete actions.
Words with a similar meaning
inciteprovoke
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
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