instigation

[ in-sti-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of instigating; incitement.
2. an incentive.

Word History and Origins

Origin of instigation¹

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

Example Sentences

New York magazine’s Jonathan Chait noticed something in this vein in Vance’s June New York Times interview, when he justified Trump’s instigation of violence on Jan. 6 itself.

From Slate

Opposition candidate González fled to Spain on Saturday after being accused of "serious crimes" including the "usurpation" of public duties, document falsification, instigation of disobedience and system sabotage.

From BBC

He is accused of "serious crimes" including the "usurpation" of public duties, document falsification, instigation of disobedience and system sabotage, according to the public prosecutor.

From BBC

Staged a weekslong effort to overturn the 2020 election, culminating in the instigation of a violent attack on the Capitol, on the basis of absurd conspiracy theories.

From Slate

"Under Wang's strong instigation, Zhou agreed to collect intelligence... and he and his wife became British spies."

From BBC

Related Words

• incitement
• urging