1. to instigate, encourage, or stir up (trouble, rebellion, discord, etc.)
Usage: past tense and past participle of foment; typically used with negative or disruptive actions
2. to apply warm substances or heat to (a body part) for therapeutic purposes
Usage: medical or archaic usage; less common in modern English

Examples

• The activist was accused of fomenting unrest among the workers.
• Inflammatory social media posts fomented division within the community.
• The foreign power fomented rebellion in the neighboring country.
• Rumors fomented by gossip spread quickly through the office.
• The protest leaders were arrested for fomenting a riot.
• Misinformation fomented distrust in the government.