verb
Uncommon
incite
ihn-SYT
Incite (verb) means to urge or provoke someone into action, especially something violent or unlawful. Example: “The speech was accused of inciting violence at the rally.”
verb
1
To urge or provoke someone into action, especially something violent or unlawful.
"The speech was accused of inciting violence at the rally."
"He was charged with inciting a riot."
How to use incite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stir someone up into doing something, usually something bad.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with insight (understanding) — incite is about provoking action.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
incite violence
incite hatred
incite a riot
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- incites
- Past tense
- incited
Etymology
From Latin incitō, "to set in motion, urge on," from in- + citō, "to set in motion" — related to "cite" and "excite."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for incite
See all rhymes for incite →Frequently asked questions
What does “incite” mean?
The word “incite” means to urge or provoke someone into action, especially something violent or unlawful. In plain terms, to stir someone up into doing something, usually something bad.
How do you pronounce “incite”?
“Incite” is pronounced ihn-SYT (/ɪnˈsaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “incite” in a sentence?
Here is “incite” used in a sentence: “The speech was accused of inciting violence at the rally.”
What is another word for “incite”?
Words with a similar meaning to “incite” include abet, actuate, goose, send, light a fire under and sting.
What is the opposite of “incite”?
The opposite of “incite” — its antonyms — are curb, daunt, demoralize, demotivate and deter.
What part of speech is “incite”?
“Incite” is a verb.
Where does the word “incite” come from?
The word “incite” comes from Latin. From Latin incitō, "to set in motion, urge on," from in- + citō, "to set in motion" — related to "cite" and "excite.".
Is “incite” a common word?
“Incite” is an uncommon word in modern English.
