Foment
/ˈfoʊ.mɛnt/noun
To stir up trouble, unrest, or a feeling; originally, to apply warm liquid or a poultice to soothe.
Did you know?The same Latin root behind foment also gave English words for warmth and bathing, because the original idea was literally to soften or comfort with heat.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
fomentum
“A warm application, poultice, or soothing remedy”
Late Latin
Latin
fomentāre
“To apply warm compresses; to bathe or cherish with heat”
Old French
Old French
fomenter
“To warm, soothe, or nurse”
14th-16th Century
English
foment
“To bathe or apply warm liquid to”
Modern English
English
foment
“To instigate, stir up, or encourage trouble or dissent”
Explore more surprising origins