fomentation

[ foh-men-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. encouragement of discord, rebellion, etc.; instigation.
2. the application of warm liquid, ointments, etc., to the surface of the body.
3. the liquid, ointments, etc., so applied.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fomentation¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin fōmentātiōn- (stem of fōmentātiō ), equivalent to fōmentāt ( us ) (past participle of fōmentāre to foment ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Fico is among M5S’s leftwing element and has often spoken out against Salvini’s fomentation of anti-immigrant hatred.

From The Guardian

Concerned that Fanny was not improving, Emma and Elizabeth sent for the apothecary, a Mr. B., who “ordered fomentation with poppy heads,” Emma noted.

From Literature

If, however, a continual fomentation and geographical shifting of the population is in progress as in parts of America, or if adequate educational opportunities are lacking, as in some parts of Russia, the poor and less well-to-do classes may contain, no one can tell how much, relatively valuable stock.

From Project Gutenberg

All such atrocities as blue and green veils have happily long since vanished, but, even still, a red bow, a gaudy flower stuck in the button-hole, and, oh, horror of horrors! a pocket handkerchief appearing at an opening in the bosom, looking like a miniature fomentation—these still occasionally shock the eyes of sensitive persons, and cause us to marvel at the wearer's bad taste.

From Project Gutenberg

Prior to his admission he had been bitten on the calf of one leg by a dog, and complaining of pain from this wound, we dressed it with a simple boracic fomentation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bath
• bathing
• laundry
• soaking