ferment

noun

  1. 1

    a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol

  2. 2

    a state of agitation or turbulent change or development

    the political ferment produced new leadership

    social unrest

  3. 3

    a substance capable of bringing about fermentation

verb

  1. 1

    go sour or spoil

    The milk has soured

    The wine worked

  2. 2

    cause to undergo fermentation

    We ferment the grapes for a very long time to achieve high alcohol content

    The vintner worked the wine in big oak vats

  3. 3

    work up into agitation or excitement

    Islam is fermenting Africa

  4. 4

    be in an agitated or excited state

    The Middle East is fermenting

    Her mind ferments

Synonyms

Also useful for “ferment”:Unscrambler