instigate
verb (used with object)
to cause by incitement; foment.
had instigated
-
past perfectof instigate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She said he was calling for a smaller inquiry into specific issues that the one he had instigated could not pick up.
From BBC ● Jan. 10, 2025
When contacted by Fox News on Monday, Hindman confirmed comments she made to KDKA-TV, in which she said McHenry had instigated the dispute.
From Fox News ● Nov. 1, 2021
According to the Washington Post, the defense claimed that Goodwin was defending himself against Harris, and that Harris had instigated the fight.
From Slate ● May 2, 2018
The Dutch news media quoted Gerald Roethof, a lawyer for one of the suspects, as saying that the couple had instigated the fight by acting aggressively toward the teenagers, an accusation the two vehemently denied.
From New York Times ● Apr. 6, 2017
Sachs finally gained entrance to the Oval Office on October 11, a few weeks after the Nazi invasion of Poland had instigated the European war.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
