ferment

(noun) a state of agitation or turbulent change or development. Synonyms: agitation, fermentation, tempestuousness, unrest. Examples: "The political ferment produced new leadership." "Social unrest."

(noun) a substance capable of bringing about fermentation.

(noun) a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol. Synonyms: zymosis, zymolysis, fermentation, fermenting.

(verb) be in an agitated or excited state. Examples: "The middle east is fermenting." "Her mind ferments."

(verb) work up into agitation or excitement. Examples: "Islam is fermenting africa."

(verb) cause to undergo fermentation. Synonyms: work. Examples: "We ferment the grapes for a very long time to achieve high alcohol content." "The vintner worked the wine in big oak vats."

(verb) go sour or spoil. Synonyms: sour, turn, work. Examples: "The milk has soured." "The wine worked." "The cream has turned--we have to throw it out."