brew
UK: bruː | US: bruː
vt. to make (beer, coffee, tea, etc.) by soaking, boiling, and fermentation
vi. (of a drink) to be in the process of being prepared by brewing
n. a beverage made by brewing; a batch of such a beverage
n. (figurative) a mixture or concoction, especially one with significant consequences
The word "brew" traces back to Old English brēowan, meaning "to brew (beer)." It shares Proto-Germanic roots with Dutch brouwen and German brauen, all derived from the Proto-Indo-European base bhreue-, meaning "to bubble, boil, or ferment." This reflects the core process of brewing—using heat and fermentation to transform raw ingredients into consumable liquids. Over time, "brew" expanded metaphorically to describe any concoction or developing situation (e.g., "a storm is brewing").
He learned to brew his own beer using traditional methods.
The tea needs to brew for at least five minutes.
A fresh pot of coffee was brewing in the kitchen.
The witch’s cauldron bubbled as she brewed a mysterious potion.
Tension brewed between the two rival factions.