Ferment — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /(ˌ)fər-ˈment/ (verb) /ˈfər-ˌment/ (noun) fer·ment

Meaning & Definition of Ferment

Ferment (verb)

  1. to undergo fermentation
  2. to be in a state of agitation or intense activity
  3. to cause to undergo fermentation

Ferment (noun)

  1. a living organism (such as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymes
  2. enzyme
  3. a state of unrest, agitation

Ferment (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a disturbed or uneasy state

    "the city was in ferment as its residents nervously awaited the outcome of the referendum vote"

    similar: disquiet, fermentation, restiveness, restlessness, Sturm und Drang, turmoil, uneasiness, unquietness, unrest
    related: fidgets, commotion, confusion, excitement, hubbub, moil, stir, storm, trouble, tumult, tumultuousness, turbulence, upheaval, uproar, unsettlement, disruption, perturbation, agitation, anxiety, disquietude, inquietude, queasiness, tension, unease, anarchy, chaos, disorder, welter
    opposite: calm, ease, peace, peacefulness, quiet, tranquility
    near: order, orderliness

Ferment (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

    "the various social and economic factors that fermented the major cultural change during the U.S. during the 1960s"

    similar: abet, brew, foment, incite, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set in motion
    related: advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate, detonate, set, set off, trigger, excite, galvanize, inflame, inspire, motivate, rouse, activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, vitalize
    near: bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ferment

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ferment:

disquiet, fermentation, restiveness, restlessness, Sturm und Drang, turmoil, uneasiness, unquietness, unrest, abet, brew, foment, incite, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set in motion

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Ferment

Words with the opposite meaning of Ferment:

calm, ease, peace, peacefulness, quiet, tranquility

Related Words for Ferment

fidgets, commotion, confusion, excitement, hubbub, moil, stir, storm, trouble, tumult, tumultuousness, turbulence, upheaval, uproar, unsettlement, disruption, perturbation, agitation, anxiety, disquietude, inquietude, queasiness, tension, unease, anarchy, chaos, disorder, welter, advance, cultivate

Near Antonyms of Ferment

order, orderliness, bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, allay, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize

Word Forms of Ferment

Inflections: fermented, fermenting, ferments

Derived words: fermentable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Ferment

Middle English, from Latin fermentum yeast barm

First known use: 14th centuryi

Frequently Asked Questions about Ferment

What does "Ferment" mean?

"Ferment" means to undergo fermentation. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to undergo fermentation. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Ferment"?

Other words for "Ferment" include disquiet, fermentation, restiveness, restlessness, Sturm und Drang, turmoil, uneasiness and unquietness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ferment" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ferment"?

There are 79 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ferment". Common alternatives include disquiet, fermentation, restiveness, restlessness, Sturm und Drang, turmoil, uneasiness, unquietness, unrest and abet.

What is the opposite of "Ferment"?

Antonyms of "Ferment" include calm, ease, peace, peacefulness, quiet and tranquility. Near antonyms include order, orderliness, bridle and check.

How do you use "Ferment" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ferment" in a sentence: "the city was in ferment as its residents nervously awaited the outcome of the referendum vote"; "the various social and economic factors that fermented the major cultural change during the U.S. during the 1960s".

Is "Ferment" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ferment" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Ferment"?

"Ferment" is pronounced /(ˌ)fər-ˈment/ as a verb and /ˈfər-ˌment/ as a noun and divided into syllables as fer·ment.

What is the origin of the word "Ferment"?

"Ferment" comes from Middle English, from Latin fermentum yeast barm. First known use: 14th centuryi.