Foment
hardNegative tonefoh-MENT
verb
Definition
to stir up or instigate (trouble, unrest)
Memory hook
FO-MENT: picture stoking a FOMENTING fire under a pot until the crowd's anger boils over into a riot.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Agitators were accused of fomenting unrest in the border provinces.”
“The pamphlets were designed to foment rebellion against the crown.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Agitators were accused of ______ unrest in the border provinces.”
Show answer
fomenting
Categories
GRE Tip
Foment is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "incite" or "instigate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "quell".
Related GRE Words
antagonize
To cause someone to become hostile or angry
capitulate
To surrender or give in, often after resisting
conciliatory
intended to placate or win goodwill; appeasing
elicit
To draw out or evoke a response, answer, or fact
implacable
unable to be appeased or pacified; relentless
nefarious
extremely wicked or villainous
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