1. A process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol
   "fermenting is fundamental to the brewing of beer";
   - zymosis, zymolysis, fermentation

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

Type of: boil, change state, chemical action, chemical change, chemical process, convert, fire up, heat, ignite, inflame, seethe, stir up, turn, wake

Encyclopedia: Fermenting