17 September 2014
foment
[foh-ment]
verb (used with object)
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).
Origin
Middle English Late Latin
1350-1400; Middle English fomenten < Late Latin fōmentāre, verbal derivative of Latin fōmentum soothing application, poultice, contraction of *fōvimentum, equivalent to fōv (ēre) to keep warm + -i- -i- + -mentum -ment
Related forms
fomenter, noun
unfomented, adjective
Can be confused
ferment, foment.
Synonyms
1. incite, provoke, arouse, inflame, excite, stir up; encourage, stimulate.
Dictionary.com
Examples from the web for foment Expand
– There are other demagogues there now who have and continue to foment war.
– Moreover, critics say that the army has historically done little but brutalise its own citizenry and foment instability.
– To foment revolution, with a drip-drip of snarky stories about corruption.
Anagram
oft men
Today’s aphorism
Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.
– Albert Camus
On this day
17 September 1916 – Baron Manfred Von Richthofen (a.k.a The Red Baron), wins his first aerial combat in World War I.
17 September 1947 – the United State Department of Defense forms and is tasked with coordinating all defense related organisations in the U.S. The DoD is the largest employer in the world, with over 3.2 million employees, including active soldiers, sailors, airmen/women, and National Guard.
17 September 1951 – birth of Cassandra Peterson a.k.a Elvira, U.S. actress and host of late-night B-grade horror and sci-fi movies.
17 September 1961 – birth of Baz Luhrmann, Australian film director (Romeo and Juliet, Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge).
17 September 1966 – St George Dragons beat Balmain Tigers 23-4, to win the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) grand final for the 11th consecutive year. The longest premiership-winning streak in Australian sport.
17 September 1972 – M*A*S*H* premieres on NBC-TV.
17 September 1991 – first version of Linux released.