Instigation

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Origin

From Middle French instigation, from Latin instigatio

Full definition of instigation

Noun

1. The act of instigating, or the state of being instigated; incitement; especially to evil or wickedness.
• 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 5, The departure was not unduly prolonged....Within the door Mrs. Spoker hastily imparted to Mrs. Love a few final sentiments on the subject of Divine Intention in the disposition of buckets; farewells and last commiserations; a deep, guttural instigation to the horse; and the wheels of the waggonette crunched heavily away into obscurity.

Related terms

• instigate
• instigator