First Known Use: 1542
Dictionary
instigate
verb in·sti·gate \ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt\
: to cause (something) to happen or begin
in·sti·gat·edin·sti·gat·ing
Full Definition of INSTIGATE
transitive verb
: to goad or urge forward : provoke
— in·sti·ga·tion \ˌin(t)-stə-ˈgā-shən\ noun
— in·sti·ga·tive \ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgā-tiv\ adjective
— in·sti·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun
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Origin of INSTIGATE
Latin instigatus, past participle of instigare — more at stick
Related to INSTIGATE
Synonym Discussion of INSTIGATE
incite, instigate, abet, foment mean to spur to action. incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating <inciting a riot>. instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention <instigated a conspiracy>. abet implies both assisting and encouraging <aiding and abetting the enemy>. foment implies persistence in goading <fomenting rebellion>.
Rhymes with INSTIGATE
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INSTIGATE Defined for Kids
instigate
verb in·sti·gate \ˈin-stə-ˌgāt\
in·sti·gat·edin·sti·gat·ing
Definition of INSTIGATE for Kids
: to cause to happen or begin <He instigated the fight.>
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