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

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

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

After the England loss, former Wales captain Gwyn Jones said Welsh rugby bosses should not waste a crisis and must instigate immediate major change.

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The inquiry report said there was "general agreement" that Creative Scotland had provided "significant support" to the culture sector since it was instigated by the government in 2010.

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His statements could have "inadvertently instigated or emboldened opportunistic armed groups that are seeking to exploit international narratives by attacking soft targets", Obasi said.

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Many Los Lobos members are in jail and the gang is thought to have instigated some of Ecuador's bloodiest prison riots.

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That lesson is that "normal people in certain contexts can commit, instigate or accept horrific violence".

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Related Words

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