instigate

American  

[in-sti-geyt] / ˈɪn stɪˌgeɪt /

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

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instigate British  

/ ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to bring about, as by incitement or urging

   to instigate rebellion

2. to urge on to some drastic or inadvisable action

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Other Word Forms

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

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; in- ², -ate ¹; akin to stigma, stick ²

Example Sentences

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

Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte last summer instigated this legal showdown by posting a criminal referral for Ms. Cook on social media.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has instigated protesters to continue to speak out and occupy government buildings.

From BBC

Verse said Thursday that former Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht instigated the demonstration.

From Los Angeles Times

It disputes that Weinstein attempted to make Woodall redundant, saying she was very supportive towards her and instigated the investigation into the culture of the agency team.

From BBC

Related Words

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