Word of the Day – Foment

Foment (verb)

foh-men-t

Instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action).

Anyone want to hazard a guess as to how this evolved from its archaic definition?  Bathe (a part of the body) with warm or medicated lotions.

Example sentences

“Their entire ethos is to foment religious divisions.”

“Despite their best efforts he continued to foment disorder at every opportunity.”