ferment
noun
1. a state of agitation or turbulent change or development
- the political ferment produced new leadership
Similar word(s): agitation, fermentation, tempestuousness, unrest
Definition categories: state, turbulence, upheaval
2. a substance capable of bringing about fermentation
Definition categories: substance
3. a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol
Similar word(s): fermentation, fermenting, zymolysis, zymosis
Definition categories: process
verb
1. be in an agitated or excited state
- The Middle East is fermenting
- Her mind ferments
Definition categories: emotion, boil, seethe
2. work up into agitation or excitement
- This religion is fermenting Africa
Definition categories: emotion, heat, ignite, inflame, wake
3. cause to undergo fermentation
- We ferment the grapes for a very long time to achieve high alcohol content
Similar word(s): work
Definition categories: change, convert
4. go sour or spoil