transitive verb

1. to treat with warm water, medicated lotions, etc.
2. to stir up (trouble); instigate; incite to foment a riot

Etymology: ME fomenten < OFr fomenter < LL fomentare < L fomentum, poultice < fovere, to keep warm < IE *dhogwh- < base *dhegwh-, to burn > Sans dáhati, (it) burns, MIr daig, fire