verb
instigate
IHNS-tuh-gayt
verb
1
To start or bring about a course of action by encouraging or pushing others toward it, especially something disruptive.
"Investigators believe he instigated the walkout among staff."
"The rumor was instigated by someone hoping to cause chaos."
How to Use Instigate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo set something in motion by stirring people up, usually trouble.
Common mistake
Carries a negative shade — you instigate a fight or a riot, not a charity project.
Common pairings
instigate a riot
instigate proceedings
instigate change
Word Forms
instigated past tense, instigates singular
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Investigators believe he _____ the walkout among staff.
Etymology
From Latin instigatus, the past participle of instigare, "to goad on, urge, incite."