foment

 
Pronunciation: /fə(ʊ)ˈmɛnt/

verb

[with object]
  • 1instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action): they accused him of fomenting political unrest
  • 2 archaic bathe (a part of the body) with warm or medicated lotions.

Derivatives

fomenter

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in foment (sense 2)): from French fomenter, from late Latin fomentare, from Latin fomentum 'poultice, lotion', from fovere 'to heat, cherish'