brew

brew

verb

Definition of BREW

1

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being <they accused her of deliberately trying to brew dissension within the rank and file>

Synonyms abet, brew, ferment, foment, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up)

Related Words advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate; detonate, set, set off, trigger; excite, galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, motivate, rouse; activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, stimulate, vitalize

Near Antonyms bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame; allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

2

to be about to happen <there's trouble brewing in the department>

Synonyms brew, impend

Related Words advance, approach, close in, draw on, gather, near; hang, hover, lower (also lour), menace, overhang, threaten

Near Antonyms abate, decline, de-escalate, die down, diminish, disappear, dwindle, ebb, fade, fall, lessen, let up, lower, moderate, recede, relent, remit, shrink, subside, taper, taper off, vanish, wane; fall back, pass, recede, retreat, withdraw