instigate

[ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt]

instigate Definition

• 1. to cause an event or situation to happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin
• 2. to encourage someone to do something bad or violent

Using instigate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "instigate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The rebels were accused of instigating the riot.

• Example

  The coach instigated a new training regime for the team.

• Example

  She was fired for instigating a fight with her coworker.

instigate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for instigate

• initiate
• provoke
• encourage
• stimulate
• incite

Antonyms for instigate

• prevent
• deter
• discourage

Phrases with instigate

• instigate legal proceedings

  to initiate a legal process or lawsuit

  Example

  The company decided to instigate legal proceedings against their former employee.

• instigate change

  to initiate a process of change or reform

  Example

  The new government promised to instigate change in the country's economic policies.

• instigate violence

  to encourage or provoke violent behavior

  Example

  The police warned that any attempt to instigate violence would be met with force.

Origins of instigate

from Latin 'instigare', meaning 'to incite'

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Summary: instigate in Brief

To 'instigate' [ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt] is to cause an event or situation to happen by initiating a set of actions or a formal process, or to encourage someone to do something bad or violent. Examples include 'The rebels were accused of instigating the riot.' and 'She was fired for instigating a fight with her coworker.' 'Instigate' can also be used in phrases like 'instigate legal proceedings' and 'instigate change,' and has formal synonyms like 'initiate' and 'provoke.'