Examples of “instigate” in a Sentence

3 example sentences showing how to use instigate, grouped by meaning.

verb 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.
In light of growing outrage against Mecham, House special counsel William French instigated an investigation into the governor's affairs last fall. — Elizabeth Pincus, Arizona Impeaches Right-Wing Governor (1988)