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

The messes he’s had to deal with in recent years, however, are far more serious and could lead to real, substantial, visible changes to his company—notably, of the kind that he himself did not instigate.

From Slate

Although the 2022 midterms were mostly peaceful, experts say false information about elections has persisted and has the potential to instigate disruption or even violence.

From BBC

Wagner became convinced that this was key to a global revival that he was helping to instigate.

From Salon

Or to categorize things another way: Attempts to shame Fox inevitably failed while attempts to instigate mass actions against them were more successful, or at least were more likely to worry Fox.

From Slate

She added: “I very much hope the prime minister will take our concerns seriously and instigate an appropriate, independent or legal inquiry – not only so we can have transparency and accountability, but so that other British citizens and their families know that their government will act for them, if a foreign state unlawfully kills their loved ones.”

From BBC

Related Words

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