Fomenting

Fomenting refers to the act of instigating, encouraging, or promoting the development of something, particularly negative situations like unrest or rebellion. The term is often used in a political or social context, implying a deliberate effort to generate discord, agitation, or conflict. fomenting can also pertain to inciting feelings or thoughts, thereby playing a pivotal role in shaping public opinion or group dynamics.

Fomenting meaning with examples

• The activist group was accused of fomenting unrest among the local population, urging citizens to rise against the perceived injustices in their community. Their passionate speeches and strategic protests ignited emotions and mobilized individuals who had previously remained passive, leading to significant confrontations with police. The impact was evident, as tensions rose and the city was thrown into chaos.
• In the novel, the antagonist was a master at fomenting dissent within the kingdom, secretly funding rebel factions and spreading propaganda to undermine the king's authority. His actions created a web of suspicion and division among the people, transforming what began as minor discontent into a full-scale revolt. This machination worked to accomplish his own ambitions, regardless of the chaos it unleashed.
• The politician was accused of fomenting division within the party, subtly maneuvering to create factions that disagreed on key issues. By exploiting existing tensions and framing debates in polarizing terms, he managed to attract attention to his agenda at the expense of party unity. Colleagues began to distrust one another, as his actions sowed discord and shifted focus away from collaborative efforts.
• The social media campaign inadvertently started fomenting hostility between different communities, with posts designed to be humorous often escalating into heated debates. What began as a lighthearted conversation quickly evolved into serious discussions of societal issues, revealing deep-seated tensions. The administrators had to step in to moderate conversations as individuals took sides, turning the platform into a battleground of opinions.