ferment FUR-ment verb noun WS #18

to undergo or cause fermentation; to be in a state of agitation or intense activity; to stir up or incite

1. The grapes will ferment in oak barrels to produce a fine wine.
2. The mixture needs to ferment at room temperature for several hours.
3. Social tensions began to ferment as economic conditions worsened.
4. The baker allowed the dough to ferment overnight for better flavor.
5. Political ideas continued to ferment among the university students.

the process of fermentation; a state of agitation or excitement; unrest or upheaval

1. The ferment of yeast transforms sugar into alcohol during brewing.
2. Scientists studied the ferment process to improve food preservation methods.
3. The country was in a state of political ferment during the revolution.
4. The social ferment of the 1960s led to significant cultural changes.
5. The ferment in the media created widespread public debate about the issue.