fomenter
/fou'menə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * One who agitates; a political troublemaker: A person who deliberately stirs up or incites trouble, unrest, or rebellion, especially in a political or social context. A fomenter encourages dissent, conflict, or disorder.
Examples of Usage
- The government accused the journalist of being a fomenter of public unrest.
- Throughout history, political fomenters have often been seen as either dangerous radicals or heroic revolutionaries, depending on one's perspective.
- He was not a leader but a fomenter, skilled at sowing seeds of discord within the organization.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Revolutionary Context: The term is often used to describe individuals who incite rebellion against an established authority.
- The pamphlet was written by a known fomenter seeking to overthrow the colonial regime.
- Rhetorical Use: Often used pejoratively by those in power to discredit opponents.
- The senator dismissed the protestors as mere fomenters of chaos.
Variants and Related Words
- Foment (verb): To instigate or stir up (undesirable sentiment or action).
- He was accused of trying to foment a revolution.
- Fomentation (noun): The action of fomenting; instigation.
- The fomentation of class hatred was a key tactic.
Synonyms
- Agitator
- Instigator
- Inciter
- Rabble-rouser
- Firebrand
Antonyms
- Peacemaker
- Conciliator
- Pacifier
- Unifier
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Agent provocateur: A person who incites others to commit illegal acts so they can be arrested. This is a specific, often covert, type of fomenter.
- The police suspected the new recruit was an agent provocateur sent to foment violence within the group.
Noun
- one who agitates; a political troublemaker