instigate
verb (used with object)
to cause by incitement; foment.
have instigated
-
present perfectof instigate.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Her words have instigated protests - albeit not grand in scale - on both sides of the argument, and once again catapulted the debate around transgender women in sport into the spotlight.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
Navalny and his associates have instigated numerous investigations into what they say is high-level corruption.
From Reuters ● Jul. 18, 2021
For example, the megadrought seen in the late 800s is thought to have instigated the downfall of the Mayan civilization.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 16, 2020
Lawyers who defend ADA lawsuits say the Justice Department’s actions to pull the plug on adopting new regulations may have instigated the latest surge in lawsuits.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 11, 2018
For myself, if I appeared to have instigated them, it was the duty of the government to proceed against me, or to banish me.
From Historical Sketches, Volume I (of 3) The Turks in Their Relation to Europe; Marcus Tullius Cicero; Apollonius of Tyana; Primitive Christianity by John Henry Newman
