foster discord

[ˈfɔːstər ˈdɪskɔːrd]
verb phrase
fomentar discórdia
1. to deliberately encourage or promote disagreement, conflict, or lack of harmony between people or groups
The rumors were designed to foster discord among the team members.
Os boatos foram projetados para fomentar discórdia entre os membros da equipe.
2. to cultivate an atmosphere of tension, argument, or hostility
His inflammatory comments foster discord in the workplace.
Seus comentários inflamados fomentam discórdia no local de trabalho.
This phrase is commonly used in professional, political, and social contexts in both Brazilian Portuguese and American English. In Brazil, it often appears in discussions about political divisions and workplace conflicts. In the USA, it's frequently used in media commentary about divisive figures or policies. The term carries a clearly negative connotation in both cultures, implying deliberate malice rather than accidental disagreement.
NYC Slang
start beef / stir the pot / throw shade
Synonyms / Sinônimos
sow discordstir up troubleincite conflictpromote dissensionbreed animositycreate division
Antonyms / Antônimos
foster harmonypromote unityencourage peacebuild consensusstrengthen bonds

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fomentar discórdia
Standard usage; also 'provocar discórdia' or 'semear discórdia'
Rio de Janeiro
fomentar discórdia
Standard; occasionally 'causar briga' in more informal contexts
São Paulo
fomentar discórdia
Standard business and formal contexts; 'provocar discórdia' in casual speech
Portugal
fomentar discórdia
Standard; also 'semear a discórdia' more commonly used than in Brazil

Related Words

discorddissensionconflictstrifeanimositydivisionhostilityantagonism

Related Idioms & Phrases

sow seeds of discord
throw a wrench in the works
rock the boat
stir the pot
light the fuse
fan the flames
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