ferment

²fer·ment

noun \ˈfər-ˌment also (ˌ)fər-ˈ\

Definition of FERMENT

1

a : a living organism (as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymes b : enzyme

2

a : a state of unrest : agitation b : a process of active often disorderly development <the great period of creative ferment in literature — William Barrett>

Examples of FERMENT

1. The city was in a state of ferment after the election.
2. <the city was in ferment as its residents nervously awaited the airborne invasion that was sure to come>

Origin of FERMENT

Middle English, from Latin fermentum yeast — more at barm

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to FERMENT

Synonyms: disquiet, unrest, fermentation, restiveness, restlessness, Sturm und Drang, turmoil, uneasiness, unquietness

Antonyms: calm, ease, peace, peacefulness, quiet, tranquillity (or tranquility)

Related Words: fidgets; agitation, commotion, confusion, excitement, hubbub, moil, stir, storm, trouble, tumult, tumultuousness, turbulence, upheaval, uproar, unsettlement; disruption, perturbation; agitation, anxiety, disquietude, inquietude, queasiness, tension, unease; anarchy, chaos, disorder, welter

Near Antonyms: order, orderliness

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