foment
UK: fəʊˈmɛnt | US: foʊˈmɛnt
vt. to instigate or stir up (undesirable actions or feelings)
vt. (archaic) to apply warmth or medicated liquids to (a part of the body)
The word "foment" traces back to Latin fomentum, meaning "a poultice or warm application," derived from fovere ("to warm or cherish"). Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically from physical warmth to "stirring up" emotions or conflicts, akin to heating a situation. The morpheme fom- preserves the original "heat" concept, while -ent marks its verbal or nominal function.
The politician was accused of trying to foment unrest among the workers.
In medieval medicine, herbs were used to foment swollen joints.
Rumors can foment distrust within communities.
The rebels sought to foment revolution against the regime.
His speech seemed designed to foment division rather than unity.