instigate

[in-sti-geyt] /ˈɪn stɪˌgeɪt/
verb (used with object), instigated, instigating.
1.
to cause by incitement; foment:
to instigate a quarrel.
2.
to urge, provoke, or incite to some action or course:
to instigate the people to revolt.
Origin
1535-45; < Latin instīgātus past participle of instīgāre to goad on, impel, equivalent to in- in-2 + -stīg- goad, prick (akin to stigma, stick2) + -ātus -ate1
Related forms
instigatingly, adverb
instigative, adjective
instigator, instigant
[in-sti-guh nt] /ˈɪn stɪ gənt/ (Show IPA), noun
uninstigated, adjective
uninstigative, adjective
Synonyms
1. arouse, provoke. 2. induce, stimulate, encourage, push; initiate, start.
Examples from the web for instigate
  • The idea is not to instigate or inspire change, but rather to control and manage it.
  • As a matter of fact, any changes you instigate could cause troublesome complications.
  • Interaction among delinquent peers seems to instigate crimes and escalate their severity.
British Dictionary definitions for instigate

instigate

/ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt/
verb (transitive)
1.
to bring about, as by incitement or urging: to instigate rebellion
2.
to urge on to some drastic or inadvisable action
Derived Forms
instigatingly, adverb
instigation, noun
instigative, adjective
instigator, noun
Word Origin
C16: from Latin instīgāre to stimulate, incite; compare Greek stizein to prick
Word Origin and History for instigate
v.

1540s, back-formation from instigation or else from Latin instigatus, past participle of instigare "to urge on, incite" (see instigation). Related: Instigated; instigates; instigating.