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 charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Biden said in a statement released Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

While Mr. Starbuck is benefiting as much from a trend to reverse D.E.I. policy as he is instigating it, companies across the United States have been preparing for the potential of possible attacks by activists.

From New York Times

He denies all the charges against him, which range from corruption to instigating violence to getting married to Bushra Bibi illegally.

From BBC

Friday's vote came after an independent panel found aspects of the Premier League's rules to be unlawful earlier this year, following a lawsuit instigated by Manchester City.

From BBC

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

From Salon

Related Words

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