instigate
verb (used with object)
to cause by incitement; foment.
instigating
-
present participleof instigate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
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
Kaplan accused her of instigating the investigation, and began to strip her of managerial authority, the complaint says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 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
As such, instigating its own investigation without a referral is relatively rare.
From BBC ● Dec. 21, 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
