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Instigate: meaning, definitions and examples

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instigate

 

[ ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt ]

Verb
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.

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 origin

The word 'instigate' has Latin origins, coming from the Latin word 'instigare' meaning 'to urge on, incite'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, 'instigate' has come to be associated with provoking or initiating actions, often with negative connotations.

See also: instigating, instigation, instigator.

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.