Definition of Ferment

Noun: ferment 'fur,ment

A state of agitation or turbulent change or development
"the political ferment produced new leadership";
- agitation, fermentation, tempestuousness, unrest
A substance capable of bringing about fermentation
A process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol
- zymosis, zymolysis, fermentation, fermenting

Verb: ferment 'fur,ment

Be in an agitated or excited state
"The Middle East is fermenting"; "Her mind ferments"
Work up into agitation or excitement
"Islam is fermenting Africa"
Cause to undergo fermentation
"We ferment the grapes for a very long time to achieve high alcohol content";
- work
Go sour or spoil
"The milk has fermented";
- sour, turn, work