Fomented

To *foment* means to instigate or stir up public unrest, violence, or discord. It involves actively encouraging or inciting a negative action or feeling, like rebellion or hatred. This often involves spreading propaganda or misinformation to fuel the desired reaction. The goal of fomenting is usually to disrupt an established order, whether political, social, or economic, and provoke a desired change or upheaval, good or bad, although it is mostly used for bad purposes.

Fomented meaning with examples

• The revolutionary leader, through fiery speeches and pamphlets, fomented dissent among the populace, making them ready for the planned revolt. He crafted this unrest with a clear objective: to topple the established monarchy. The aim was to start a social revolution with the hopes of establishing a fairer society. Sadly, many people ended up losing their lives as a result of this conflict.
• News reports indicated that a foreign government was covertly *fomenting* instability in the region by funding rebel groups and spreading divisive propaganda. Their goal was to destabilize the region and benefit from the chaos. The government was accused of meddling in the internal affairs of other countries for political advantages, creating chaos in the region. They also used this strategy for oil acquisition.
• The online troll intentionally fomented arguments and hatred on social media by posting inflammatory comments, hoping to see people fight. His aim was to create a toxic online environment, where arguments and heated debates filled the comments section, making it harder for people to be friends. This was a deliberate strategy to divide and polarize users to achieve his personal entertainment and troll people.
• The radical preacher fomented hatred against the minority group by consistently delivering sermons filled with misinformation and prejudice. These sermons led to increased hostility within the local community, causing discrimination. His words, often filled with lies and distortions, served the sole purpose of inciting anger and to rally his followers against people of other religions and races.