Main Entry: fo·ment

Pronunciation: \ˈfō-ˌment, fō-ˈ\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, to apply a warm substance to, from Late Latin fomentare, from Latin fomentum compress, from fovēre to heat, soothe; akin to Lithuanian degti to burn, Sanskrit dahati it burns

Date: circa 1613

: to promote the growth or development of : rouse, incite <foment a rebellion>

synonyms see incite

— fo·ment·er noun