incite

[ in-sahyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·cit·ed, in·cit·ing.

1. to stir, encourage, or urge on; stimulate or prompt to action:

   to incite a crowd to riot.

   Synonyms: induce, fire, exhort, arouse, spur, goad, provoke, instigate

   Antonyms: discourage

incite

/ ɪnˈsaɪt /

verb

1. tr to stir up or provoke to action

Derived Forms

• ˌinciˈtation, noun
• inˈciter, noun
• inˈcitement, noun
• inˈcitingly, adverb

Other Words From

• in·cita·ble adjective
• in·citant adjective noun
• in·ci·ta·tion [in-sahy-, tey, -sh, uh, n, -si-], noun
• in·citer noun
• in·citing·ly adverb
• rein·cite verb (used with object) reincited reinciting
• unin·cited adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of incite¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin incitāre, from in- in- ² + citāre “to move repeatedly, set in motion, summon” ( cite ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of incite¹

C15: from Latin incitāre, from in- ² + citāre to excite

Synonym Study

Incite, rouse, provoke, inflame are verbs meaning to goad or inspire an individual or a group to take some action or to express some feeling. Incite and rouse are similar in that, although they can imply in some contexts abrasive or inflammatory arousal of violent or uncontrolled behavior, neither necessarily does so. Incite means simply to induce activity, of whatever kind: incited to greater effort by encouragement; incited to riot. Rouse has an underlying sense of awakening: to rouse the apathetic soldiers to a determination to win; to rouse the inattentive public to an awareness of the danger. Provoke implies a sense of challenge or irritation along with arousal and often suggests a resultant anger or violence: provoked by scathing references to his accomplishments; to provoke a wave of resentment. Inflame, with its root sense to set afire, implies a resultant intensity and passion: to inflame a mob by fiery speeches; He was inflamed to rage by constant frustration.

Example Sentences

The authorities have accused him of provoking them, and he has been charged with inciting violence.

From BBC

The Israeli military said in a statement that Afif was a “central and veteran figure in the organization who greatly influenced Hezbollah’s military activity” and “glorified and incited” attacks on Israel.

From Los Angeles Times

The inciting incident onstage — a school bully makes fun of the young girl’s condition, and her brother vengefully punches him in the face — is inspired by an actual anecdote.

From Los Angeles Times

The Burbank Democrat also helped investigate Trump’s role in inciting the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

And now they can add that it’s true even if they lie, cheat and incite a deadly insurrection against the nation’s government.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abet
• agitate
• arouse
• encourage
• exhort
• foment
• inflame
• inspire
• instigate
• motivate
• prompt
• provoke
• rouse
• set off
• spur
• trigger
• urge
• whip up