to ferment
Third Person
ferments
Present Participle
fermenting
Past Tense
fermented
Past Participle
fermented
1
to trigger a process where microorganisms break down sugars in a substance, often creating alcohol or acids
transitive
- The baker uses yeast to ferment the dough and make it rise.
- The chef plans to ferment the cabbage to make kimchi.
- The chef is fermenting the soybeans to make miso paste.
- The brewer uses various strains of yeast to ferment the beer.
- The winemaker will ferment the crushed grapes to produce red wine.
Synonyms:
2
to undergo fermentation through chemical breakdown of substances by microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria
- The grapes began to ferment in the warm sun, transforming into wine over time.
- As the dough sat on the counter, it started to ferment, causing it to rise and develop a tangy flavor.
- The compost pile slowly began to ferment, breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich soil.
- Over the course of several days, the cabbage mixture in the jar started to ferment.
- The milk left out at room temperature began to ferment, resulting in the formation of yogurt.
3
to agitate individuals or groups and create trouble or unrest among them
transitive
- The provocative speech by the politician fermented dissent among the crowd.
- The inflammatory social media posts fermented tensions between rival factions.
- The controversial decision by the school board fermented outrage among parents.
- The malicious gossip spread by a few individuals fermented mistrust and animosity within the community.
4
to be in a state of disorder or unrest
- In the wake of the controversial decision, unrest began to ferment within the community
- As economic disparities widened, social discontent fermented.
- Following the leaked scandal, distrust and suspicion fermented within the company.
- As political tensions reached a boiling point, discontent fermented among the populace.