instigate

[in-sti-geyt]

verb (used with object)

instigated, instigating 

1. to cause by incitement; foment.

   to instigate a quarrel.

   Synonyms: provoke, arouse

2. to urge, provoke, or incite to some action or course.

   to instigate the people to revolt.

   Synonyms: start, initiate, push, encourage, stimulate, induce

instigate

/ ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to bring about, as by incitement or urging

   to instigate rebellion

2. to urge on to some drastic or inadvisable action

Other Word Forms

• instigatingly adverb
• instigative adjective
• instigator noun
• uninstigated adjective
• uninstigative adjective
• instigation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of instigate¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin instīgātus, past participle of instīgāre “to goad on, impel,” equivalent to in- “in” + -stīg- “to goad, prick” + -ātus past participle suffix; in- ², -ate ¹; akin to stigma, stick ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of instigate¹

C16: from Latin instīgāre to stimulate, incite; compare Greek stizein to prick

Example Sentences

“I’m not suggesting that, because these folks are coming from red states, that they’re more inclined to fire on civilians or instigate an incident,” he added.

From Salon

Israel has accused Hamas of instigating chaos near the aid centres and says its forces do not intentionally open fire on civilians.

From BBC

Israel has accused Hamas of instigating chaos near the sites and says its troops do not intentionally open fire on civilians.

From BBC

It accuses Hamas of instigating chaos near the aid points and disputes the number of deaths reported.

From BBC

Israel has accused Hamas of instigating conflict near aid sites, and said its troops have only fired warning shots and do not intentionally shoot civilians.

From BBC

Related Words

• abet 
• bring about 
• foment 
• incite 
• inflame 
• initiate 
• kindle 
• plot 
• prompt 
• spur 
• whip up