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Incited Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incited

[ɪnˈsaɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotionally charged

Incited means to provoke or stir up a strong reaction or feeling in others, often related to emotions such as anger or enthusiasm. It suggests an action taken to encourage something to happen, typically in a way that can lead to unrest or conflict. The term can be used in various contexts, including political movements, protests, or even in conversations that ignite passionate responses. This term often carries a negative connotation, implying that the provocation was intentional and calculated.

Synonyms

inflamed, instigated, provoked, stirred.

Examples of usage

  • The speech incited the crowd to protest.
  • His comments incited anger among the community.
  • The article incited a heated debate online.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, political leaders have incited revolutions to provoke change and rally support.
  • Manifestos and speeches are often designed to incite action among the public, using emotional language.

Psychology

  • Inciting emotions can lead to strong group dynamics, often bringing people together to act on shared beliefs.
  • Certain psychological theories suggest that incitement can trigger a sense of identity among individuals in a group.

Legal Usage

  • In legal contexts, inciting violence or illegal activities can lead to serious consequences, such as criminal charges.
  • Laws often define what constitutes incitement, especially in freedom of speech cases.

Pop Culture

  • Film and literature often depict characters who incite chaos or rebellion, highlighting transformative moments in the storyline.
  • Songs and protests throughout history have incited change, resonating deeply with people's feelings and experiences.

Origin of 'incited'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'incitare', meaning 'to urge on' or 'to stir up'.
  • The prefix 'in-' usually means 'in' or 'on', while '-cite' relates to calling or summoning.

The term 'incite' originates from the Latin verb 'incitare', meaning 'to urge on' or 'to provoke'. The root 'citate' comes from 'citare', which means 'to summon' or 'to call'. This Latin term entered Middle English through Old French in the late 15th century, evolving in meaning to include the act of encouraging or provoking a response, often in a social or political context. Over time, 'incite' has become commonly associated with igniting passions and encouraging actions that can lead to disorder or unrest. Its usage has expanded, and it is frequently encountered in discussions about social movements, legal contexts regarding incitement to violence, and in everyday language to describe heated exchanges.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,067, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.