Inciter: meaning, definitions and examples

🔥
Add to dictionary

inciter

 

[ɪnˈsaɪtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

provocative behavior

A person who encourages or provokes others to take a particular action, especially illegal or violent behavior. An inciter is someone who stirs up trouble or urges others to engage in harmful activities.

Synonyms

agitatior, instigator, provocateur.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
inciter

Use 'inciter' when referring to someone who encourages others to take action, often by stirring up emotions like anger or enthusiasm. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.

  • The leader was an inciter of change and motivated the community to take action
  • The inciter of the riot was quickly taken into custody
instigator

Use 'instigator' when referring to someone who initiates a particular action or event, often in a negative sense, implying they started trouble or conflict.

  • He was identified as the main instigator behind the scheme
  • The instigator of the fight at school was suspended
provocateur

Use 'provocateur' when referring to someone who deliberately provokes others, often to elicit a specific reaction or outcome, generally in a negative context. It is often associated with creating trouble or controversy.

  • The online provocateur faced criticism for his inflammatory statements
  • As a provocateur, she enjoyed stirring up political debates on social media

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for being an inciter of riots.
  • The politician was accused of being an inciter of hatred and violence.
  • The group leader was identified as the main inciter of the protest.
Context #2 | Verb

encouraging action

To encourage or stir up others to take a particular action, often negative or harmful. When someone incites, they are urging or motivating others to engage in certain behaviors.

Synonyms

prompt, provoke, stimulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
prompt

Commonly used to describe encouraging someone to do something without a strong negative connotation. Used in everyday situations.

  • The teacher's question prompted a lively discussion
  • The email prompted him to finally write his report
provoke

Used to describe causing a strong reaction, often negative or aggressive. This word can be used in a wider range of contexts compared to 'incite' and 'instigate'.

  • Her comments were intended to provoke a reaction
  • The sudden noise provoked the dog to bark
stimulate

Often used in a positive sense to encourage activity or interest. It can be used in professional and scientific contexts.

  • The exercise was designed to stimulate the brain
  • The event stimulated interest in environmental issues

Examples of usage

  • The speech incited the crowd to violence.
  • The propaganda was designed to incite fear among the population.
  • The article incited a heated debate among readers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'inciter' comes from the Latin 'incitare', meaning 'to urge on' or 'to rouse'.
  • It entered the English language in the mid-15th century, reflecting a growing interest in persuasive rhetoric.
  • The use of the term expanded significantly during political movements, highlighting the role of speech in mobilizing groups.

Politics

  • Inciters have played crucial roles in revolutions throughout history by inspiring people to challenge authority.
  • The term is often discussed in the context of free speech versus hate speech, as some inciters may provoke violence or unrest.
  • Prominent civil rights leaders have also been termed inciters for their ability to galvanize communities toward social change.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies suggest that individuals who are perceived as inciters can affect group dynamics positively or negatively.
  • The motivation of inciters can stem from a desire for social change, power, or personal fulfillment.
  • Research indicates that emotional appeals are often more effective in incitement, leading to passionate group responses.

Literature

  • Numerous literary figures are depicted as inciters, representing the ability to sway the masses through charismatic speeches.
  • In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often act as inciters, motivating others to significant, sometimes tragic actions.
  • In classic literature, inciters frequently embody themes of ambition and moral struggle, challenging social norms.

Pop Culture

  • In music and films, inciters are often portrayed as charismatic leaders who inspire others to join a cause or a rebellion.
  • Movies about historical figures often highlight inciters, portraying their complex influence on movements and events.
  • Social media has created a new generation of inciters, where influencers rally audiences around various causes with a click.

Translations

Translations of the word "inciter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incitar

🇮🇳 उत्तेजित करना

🇩🇪 anstiften

🇮🇩 menghasut

🇺🇦 підбурювати

🇵🇱 podżegać

🇯🇵 扇動する

🇫🇷 inciter

🇪🇸 incitar

🇹🇷 kışkırtmak

🇰🇷 선동하다

🇸🇦 تحريض

🇨🇿 podněcovat

🇸🇰 podnecovať

🇨🇳 煽动

🇸🇮 spodbujati

🇮🇸 æsa

🇰🇿 қоздыру

🇬🇪 წამოძახება

🇦🇿 təşviq etmək

🇲🇽 incitar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,664, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.