Synonyms

instigate

American

[in-sti-geyt] / ˈɪn stɪˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

instigated, instigating

to cause by incitement; foment.

to instigate a quarrel.

Synonyms:

provoke, arouse
to urge, provoke, or incite to some action or course.

to instigate the people to revolt.

Synonyms:

start, initiate, push, encourage, stimulate, induce

instigate British

/ ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

to bring about, as by incitement or urging

to instigate rebellion
to urge on to some drastic or inadvisable action

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

instigatingly adverb
instigation noun
instigative adjective
instigator noun
uninstigated adjective
uninstigative adjective

Etymology

Origin of instigate

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At 4 Nations last February, the Americans traveled to Montreal, instigated three fights in the first nine seconds in front of a hostile crowd—and emerged victorious.

From The Wall Street Journal

That was held up as a great breach of etiquette, instigating calls for additional officials and even video reviews in a sport where competitors have traditionally called their own fouls.

From Los Angeles Times

The force said it would "instigate investigations if directed by the courts and responsible authorities", adding: "As always, our thoughts are with Oki's family and friends who remain devastated by their loss."

From BBC

The review was instigated after fresh details emerged about the peer's contact with Jeffrey Epstein and a separate police investigation was initiated in the UK, they said.

From BBC

“The HCC has instigated a battle with the Kalogeras Sisters fan base, who retaliated in kind and defended themselves against the hate-filled comments and threats directed against them,” according to documents obtained by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023