instigation

[ in-sti-gey-shuh n ]

/ ˌɪn stɪˈgeɪ ʃən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR instigation ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act of instigating; incitement.

an incentive.

Nearby words

Origin of instigation

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin instīgātiōn- (stem of instīgātiō). See instigate, ion

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for instigation

The instigation of one of the parties by the other to commit adultery or other crimes.
Marriage and Divorce Laws of the World|Hyacinthe Ringrose
She had said she had only come at the instigation of her son, who looked upon Anna as a deserving object of help.
The Benefactress|Elizabeth Beauchamp
The works of the ancients were frequently destroyed at the instigation of the monks.
Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 1 (of 3)|Isaac D'Israeli
She felt it to be the instigation of the devil, and decided to remain on the safe side still.
Evan Harrington, Complete|George Meredith

And meanwhile envy harasses the bonae literae, which are attacked at his (Luther's) instigation by these gadflies.
Erasmus and the Age of Reformation|Johan Huizinga

Word Origin and History for instigation

instigation

early 15c., from Middle French instigation and directly from Latin instigationem (nominative instigatio), noun of action from past participle stem of instigare "urge on, incite," from in- "in" (see in- (2)) + *stigare, a root meaning "to prick," from PIE root *steig- "to prick, stick, pierce" (see stick (v.)).

instigation

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of instigation

Examples from the Web for instigation

Word Origin and History for instigation

instigation