Meaning & Definition of Ferment in English

1. A state of agitation or turbulent change or development

• "The political ferment produced new leadership"

• "Social unrest"

2. A substance capable of bringing about fermentation

3. A process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances

• Especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol

1. Be in an agitated or excited state

• "The middle east is fermenting"

• "Her mind ferments"

2. Work up into agitation or excitement

• "Islam is fermenting africa"

3. 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"

4. Go sour or spoil

• "The milk has soured"

• "The wine worked"

• "The cream has turned--we have to throw it out"