instigate

[ in-sti-geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·sti·gat·ed, in·sti·gat·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈinstiˌgator, noun
• ˌinstiˈgation, noun
• ˈinstiˌgatingly, adverb
• ˈinstiˌgative, adjective

Other Words From

• in·sti·gat·ing·ly adverb
• in·sti·ga·tive adjective
• in·sti·ga·tor noun
• un·in·sti·gat·ed adjective
• un·in·sti·ga·tive 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

He and McCarthy instigated a massive investigation and purge of government employees whom they accused of being communists or outed as homosexuals.

From Salon

The program, which never aired on Fox News Channel, pushed the false theory that the insurrection in the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 was instigated by government agents.

From Los Angeles Times

No disciplinary action was taken against the classmate, who, according to email records, instigated the Sept. 5 exchange of rap lyrics.

From Los Angeles Times

No disciplinary action was taken against the classmate who, according to email records, instigated the Sept. 5 exchange of rap lyrics.

From Los Angeles Times

The Red Bull driver instigated his policy at the last race in Singapore after he was punished by governing body the FIA for swearing in a news conference.

From BBC

Related Words

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