ferment

(noun, verb)

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

Similar word(s): sour, turn, work

Definition categories: change, turn