Incitement: meaning, definitions and examples

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incitement

 

[ ɪnˈsaɪtmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

criminal law

The action of provoking unlawful behavior or urging someone to commit a crime.

Synonyms

instigation, provocation, stimulation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incitement

Used when describing actions or words causing others to act in an often unlawful or violent manner. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The leader's speech was seen as an incitement to riot.
  • He was arrested for incitement to commit violence.
provocation

Used to describe an action or speech that deliberately annoys or enrages someone, often leading to a reaction. This term often implies a response to a stimulus.

  • He remained calm despite the provocation.
  • The soldiers reacted to the provocation with restraint.
instigation

Typically refers to the process of initiating or causing an event or action, often used to describe deliberate encouragement of something, particularly of a controversial or aggressive nature.

  • Her complaint led to the instigation of an official investigation.
  • The instigation of the conflict was carefully planned.
stimulation

Refers to encouraging activity or increased action, especially in a positive or constructive way. Can be used in both physical and mental contexts.

  • The teacher used games as a means of mental stimulation for the students.
  • Economic policies aimed at the stimulation of growth.

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for incitement to riot.
  • The political leader was accused of incitement to violence.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The encouragement or stirring up of violent or unlawful behavior.

Synonyms

encouragement, incentive, influence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incitement

Used when referring to the act of provoking unlawful or violent behavior. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The leader was arrested for incitement to riot.
  • They accused him of incitement to violence.
encouragement

Used when referring to giving someone support, confidence, or hope in a positive manner.

  • She received a lot of encouragement from her teachers.
  • A little encouragement goes a long way in achieving your goals.
incentive

Used when referring to something that motivates or drives someone to do something, often a reward.

  • The company offers a financial incentive for meeting sales targets.
  • There is no incentive for people to recycle.
influence

Used to describe the power to affect someone or something, often in a subtle or indirect way.

  • Her influence on the project was substantial.
  • Peer pressure can have a strong influence on teenagers.

Examples of usage

  • The speech was seen as a clear incitement to hatred and discrimination.
  • The article was criticized for its incitement of fear and panic.

Translations

Translations of the word "incitement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incitação

🇮🇳 उकसाना

🇩🇪 Anstiftung

🇮🇩 hasutan

🇺🇦 підбурювання

🇵🇱 podżeganie

🇯🇵 扇動

🇫🇷 incitation

🇪🇸 incitación

🇹🇷 kışkırtma

🇰🇷 선동

🇸🇦 تحريض

🇨🇿 podněcování

🇸🇰 podnecovanie

🇨🇳 煽动

🇸🇮 spodbujanje

🇮🇸 hvatning

🇰🇿 құтыру

🇬🇪 წამქეზება

🇦🇿 təşviqat

🇲🇽 incitación

Etymology

The word 'incitement' originated from the Latin word 'incitare', which means 'to urge, set in motion'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in English. The concept of incitement has been present in legal systems for centuries, as societies have recognized the dangers of encouraging unlawful behavior. Today, incitement is a crucial aspect of criminal law, aimed at preventing individuals from provoking or encouraging criminal acts.

See also: incitingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,019, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.