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Instigate: meaning, definitions and examples

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instigate

 

[ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to provoke conflict

Instigate means to provoke or incite someone to do something, especially something bad or violent. It is often used in the context of starting trouble or causing unrest.

Synonyms

incite, inflame, provoke, stir up.

Examples of usage

  • The rival gangs were instigated to start a fight by outside agitators.
  • The fake news article was designed to instigate fear and panic among the population.
Context #2 | Verb

to initiate action

Instigate can also mean to initiate or start an action or process. It can be used in a neutral or positive sense to indicate the beginning of something.

Synonyms

begin, commence, initiate, launch.

Examples of usage

  • The new government plans to instigate reforms to improve the economy.
  • The CEO instigated a company-wide initiative to promote diversity and inclusion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'instigare,' which means 'to goad, urge on,' reflecting its active sense of prompting action.
  • The prefix 'in-' means 'into' or 'upon,' while 'stigare' comes from 'stigare,' meaning 'to prick,' hinting at provoking or pushing someone to act.

Psychology

  • Research shows that instigators often find themselves inadvertently increasing group conflict through their actions.
  • People perceived as instigators may actually influence the dynamics of decision-making in groups by challenging the status quo.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, instigators are often the characters who spark major conflicts, like antagonists who manipulate others for their gain.
  • Songs and literature often depict instigators as both heroes and villains, showcasing their complex roles in driving a story forward.

Education

  • In discussions about mediation and conflict resolution, understanding who instigates a conflict helps in finding effective solutions.
  • Educators teach students about instigation in the context of bullying, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing those who provoke others.

History

  • Instigation has played a critical role in historical events, where figures rallied people to revolt against oppressive regimes.
  • The phrase 'instigating a revolt' is often used to describe political movements that begin with a few passionate advocates.

Translations

Translations of the word "instigate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 instigar

🇮🇳 उकसाना

🇩🇪 anstiften

🇮🇩 menghasut

🇺🇦 спонукати

🇵🇱 podżegać

🇯🇵 扇動する (sendō suru)

🇫🇷 inciter

🇪🇸 instigar

🇹🇷 kışkırtmak

🇰🇷 선동하다 (seondonghada)

🇸🇦 تحريض

🇨🇿 podněcovat

🇸🇰 podnecovať

🇨🇳 煽动 (shāndòng)

🇸🇮 spodbujati

🇮🇸 eggja

🇰🇿 айдап салу

🇬🇪 წაქეზება

🇦🇿 təhrik etmək

🇲🇽 instigar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,773, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.