ferment

Noun

• a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol

• a substance capable of bringing about fermentation

• a state of agitation or turbulent change or development
  • the political ferment produced new leadership
    
  • social unrest
    

Verb

• go sour or spoil
  • The milk has soured
    
  • The wine worked
    
  • The cream has turned--we have to throw it out
    

• cause to undergo fermentation
  • We ferment the grapes for a very long time to achieve high alcohol content
    
  • The vintner worked the wine in big oak vats
    

• work up into agitation or excitement
  • Islam is fermenting Africa
    

• be in an agitated or excited state
  • The Middle East is fermenting
    
  • Her mind ferments
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  zymosis , zymolysis , fermentation , fermenting , agitation , tempestuousness , unrest , sour , turn , work