instigate

verb
UK: /ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/
US: /ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/

  1. To cause something to begin or happen; to initiate.

    1. He did instigate the fight at school yesterday.
    2. The group aims to instigate positive change within the community through various projects.

  2. To urge or persuade someone to do something bad or illegal.

    1. Don't instigate trouble with your brother.
    2. They were accused of trying to instigate a riot during the protest.

Synonyms

initiate incite begin foment provoke stir up start

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "instigate" in English means: To cause something to begin or happen; to initiate., To urge or persuade someone to do something bad or illegal..

The phonetic transcription of "instigate" is /ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/ in British English and /ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "instigate": initiate, incite, begin, foment, provoke, stir up, start.

Example usage of "instigate": "He did instigate the fight at school yesterday.". More examples on the page.