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Instigated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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instigated

[ˈɪn.stɪ.ɡeɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

inciting action

Instigated is the past tense of instigate, which means to incite someone to do something, typically something bad or illegal. It suggests an initiation of action, often with a negative connotation. The term implies that someone encourages or provokes another person to engage in a particular behavior. This term can be commonly used in a legal or organizational context, highlighting the act of provoking an incident or conflict.

Synonyms

encouraged, incited, provoked.

Examples of usage

  • He instigated the protest against the government's decision.
  • The rumor instigated a series of reactions among the community.
  • She was accused of instigating the brawl at the party.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that instigation can be a key factor in group dynamics, influencing how people behave together.
  • Instigation is often linked to social influence, where one person's actions can trigger others to act in specific ways.
  • People who instigate may have underlying motivations, like wanting attention or creating conflict.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters who instigate events often play the role of the antagonist, pushing the plot toward conflict.
  • Shakespeare’s plays frequently feature instigators who manipulate other characters into action, creating drama.
  • The theme of instigation appears in many stories, illustrating how a single action can lead to significant changes.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, instigators are often portrayed as troublemakers who push the main characters out of their comfort zone.
  • Reality TV frequently showcases instigators who stir up drama among participants for entertainment value.
  • Musicians and artists sometimes instigate social movements through their lyrics, encouraging fans to think or act differently.

Political Science

  • Throughout history, leaders and revolutionaries have instigated movements to rally people for change or challenge authority.
  • Instigation can lead to protests and upheavals, often serving as a catalyst for social change.
  • Manipulating public opinion through instigation has historically been a powerful tool in political campaigns.

Origin of 'instigated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'instigare', meaning 'to incite or urge on'.
  • It was first used in English around the late 15th century, gaining popularity for its association with stirring up actions.
  • The prefix 'in-' generally implies 'into' or 'upon', while 'stigate' relates to setting something in motion.

The word 'instigate' originates from the Latin word 'instigare', which means 'to urge on' or 'to incite'. The prefix 'in-' denotes 'in' or 'upon', while the root 'stigare' is derived from 'stigare', meaning 'to set in motion' or 'to prick'. This etymology suggests an action that provokes or stimulates a response. The term entered the English language in the late 15th century. Over time, 'instigate' has taken on a more negative connotation, often associated with stirring up trouble or inciting wrongdoing. Its usage in legal terms emphasizes the role of instigation in criminal responsibility, where someone may be held accountable for encouraging or triggering illicit actions. Today, 'instigate' is frequently used in discussions pertaining to social movements, political actions, and interpersonal dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,266, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.