instigate
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.”
How to use instigate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo set something in motion by stirring people up, usually trouble.
Carries a negative shade — you instigate a fight or a riot, not a charity project.
Word forms
instigated past tense, instigates singular
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."
Synonyms
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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.".