verb
instigate
IHNS-tuh-gayt
Instigate (verb) means to start or bring about a course of action by encouraging or pushing others toward it, especially something disruptive. Example: “Investigators believe he instigated the walkout among staff.”
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."
"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)
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like instigate.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- instigates
- Past tense
- instigated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Investigators believe he _____ the walkout among staff.
Etymology
From Latin instigatus, the past participle of instigare, "to goad on, urge, incite."
Related words
Rhymes for instigate
See all rhymes for instigate →Frequently asked questions
What does “instigate” mean?
The word “instigate” means to start or bring about a course of action by encouraging or pushing others toward it, especially something disruptive. In plain terms, to set something in motion by stirring people up, usually trouble.
How do you pronounce “instigate”?
“Instigate” is pronounced IHNS-tuh-gayt (/ˈɪnstəɡeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “instigate” in a sentence?
Here is “instigate” used in a sentence: “Investigators believe he instigated the walkout among staff.”
What part of speech is “instigate”?
“Instigate” is a verb.
Where does the word “instigate” come from?
The word “instigate” comes from Latin. From Latin instigatus, the past participle of instigare, "to goad on, urge, incite.".
