instigate Definition
- 1to cause an event or situation to happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin
- 2to 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
Phrases with instigate
Example
The company decided to instigate legal proceedings against their former employee.
Example
The new government promised to instigate change in the country's economic policies.
Example
The police warned that any attempt to instigate violence would be met with force.
Origins of instigate
from Latin 'instigare', meaning 'to incite'
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.'