Instigate

Pronunciation

Origin

From the Latin instigatus, past participle of instigare ("to instigate"), from prefix in- in + *stigare, akin to stinguere ("push, goad"). Akin to German stechen ("to prick"), English stick.

Full definition of instigate

Verb

1. To goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite.He hath only instigated his blackest agents to the very extent of their malignity. -Bp. Warburton.

Usage notes

Commonly used with reference to evil actions; as, to instigate one to a crime.

Synonyms

• to goad or urge forward: animate, encourage, impel, incite, provoke, spur, stimulate, tempt, urge

Antonyms

• to goad or urge forward: halt, prevent, stop

Derived terms

• instigation
• instigator