instigate
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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to bring about, as by incitement or urging
to instigate rebellion
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to urge on to some drastic or inadvisable action
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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instigationnoun
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instigatornoun
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instigativeadjective
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uninstigatedadjective
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uninstigativeadjective
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instigatinglyadverb
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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instigatesimple
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instigatessimple
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have instigatedperfect
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has instigatedperfect
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am instigatingprogressive
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are instigatingprogressive
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is instigatingprogressive
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have been instigatingperfect progressive
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has been instigatingperfect progressive
Past
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instigatedsimple
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had instigatedperfect
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was instigatingprogressive
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were instigatingprogressive
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had been instigatingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of instigate
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; see in- 2, -ate 1; akin to stigma, stick 2
Explanation
When you instigate something, you start it, but the word carries conflict with it. If you are suspended for wearing a political t-shirt, the incident might instigate days of protest by students and faculty. Instigate comes from the Latin word instigare "to incite." People who are instigators often begin trouble but then back off and let others break the rules. If you instigate a food fight in the cafeteria, you might throw the first spoonful of mashed potatoes, but then you stop and let all the other students carry on the chaos. When something is instigated, the outcome tends to be unknown. The plan you instigate might not lead to the desired result.
Vocabulary lists containing instigate
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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.
See Examples For:
Abby suspected Reynolds had his own reasons for urging Ned to remove her: to instigate the sale of Fidelity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026
"We are against all scenarios that aim to instigate a civil war in Iran, that target ethnic or religious fault lines," Fidan told journalists in Istanbul.
From Barron's ● Mar. 7, 2026
Manufacturers of smart glasses are "prioritising profit over women's safety and wellbeing, and need to instigate safety measures", says Rebecca Hitchen of the End Violence Against Women Coalition.
From BBC ● Jan. 24, 2026
Please instigate a “no call zone” that covers the Dodger bullpen.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2025
“Oh snap,” Freddy said, trying to instigate a throwdown.
From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore
He instigates them, and pedantically reminds her of the rules, but his surprise and irritation become conflagrations of rage as Fonsia wins hand after hand, remaining placid and mildly abashed at her luck.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
The gene proved very active in the habenula, a region of the cichlid’s brain that registers fear and instigates movement.
From Science Magazine ● Apr. 24, 2024
For any adaptive behaviour associated with consciousness, there could be a nonconscious mechanism that instigates the same behaviour.
From Scientific American ● Nov. 7, 2023
Wombat, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge; she instigates Marion’s return to Indy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2023
It seems to be in the nature of biologic information that it not only stores itself up as energy but also instigates a search for more.
From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas
The incident, which Beijing said was instigated by Philippine personnel, sparked a round of condemnation from Manila's allies.
From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026
Beijing said the Philippines instigated the incident by sending men in small rubber boats to approach their vessel.
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
Robertson said there was no dispute Patel's actions had seriously departed from professional standards but submitted the relationship was instigated by Patient A and "largely driven by her through the ongoing threats and blackmail".
From BBC ● May 21, 2026
At 4 Nations last February, the Americans traveled to Montreal, instigated three fights in the first nine seconds in front of a hostile crowd—and emerged victorious.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 21, 2026
Lady Jane Franklin, Franklin’s wealthy and determined wife, instigated and even financed several of the searches.
From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler
Police said that a suspect detained at the weekend over the attack on the 78-year-old former Conservative minister has now been re-arrested on suspicion of committing, preparing or instigating "terrorism".
From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026
Across the pond, the people most affected by the unrest, and its instigating events, are not having any of it.
From Slate ● Jun. 15, 2026
Supporters say Balen was echoing public anger over the protester deaths, not instigating it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 4, 2026
Five members of the Board were suspended for instigating the letter.
From BBC ● Dec. 20, 2025
I was looking for other words for inciting and instigating work, and came upon “to egg on.”
From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
