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View synonyms for

instigate

[ in-sti-geyt ]

verb (used with object)

instigated, instigating.
  1. to cause by incitement; foment:

    to instigate a quarrel.

    Synonyms: ,

  2. to urge, provoke, or incite to some action or course:

    to instigate the people to revolt.

    Synonyms: , , , , ,



instigate

/ ˈɪԲɪˌɡɪ /

verb

  1. to bring about, as by incitement or urging

    to instigate rebellion

  2. to urge on to some drastic or inadvisable action
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈԲپˌٴǰ, noun
  • ˌԲپˈپDz, noun
  • ˈԲپˌپԲ, adverb
  • ˈԲپˌپ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • ·پ··Բ· adverb
  • ·پ··پ adjective
  • ·پ··ٴǰ noun
  • ܲ··پ·· adjective
  • un··پ··پ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of instigate1

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin Բīٳܲ, past participle of Բī “to goad on, impel,” equivalent to in- “in” + -ī- “to goad, prick” + -ٳܲ past participle suffix; in- 2, -ate 1; akin to stigma, stick 2
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Word History and Origins

Origin of instigate1

C16: from Latin Բī to stimulate, incite; compare Greek stizein to prick
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

That's just one of the possible explanations for the current stock market mayhem that Trump has purposefully instigated – one that many other prominent economists warn is risky.

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An attorney for the 17-year-old accused Brooks in court last year of instigating the fight because of the victim’s gang affiliations.

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But just two years later, a civil war erupted when Kiir sacked his entire cabinet and accused Machar of instigating a failed coup.

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The prosecutor said Louise instigated the end of the relationship, supported by friends and family.

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The victim’s public defender alleged last year that Brooks “instigated” the brawls by telling the attackers the 17-year-old was a racist and a member of a rival gang.

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in stepinstigation