verb (used with object),in·sti·gat·ed,in·sti·gat·ing.
to cause by incitement; foment: to instigate a quarrel.
to urge, provoke, or incite to some action or course: to instigate the people to revolt.
Origin of instigate
First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin instīgātus, past participle of instīgāre “to goad on, impel,” equivalent to in- “in” + -stīg- “to goad, prick” + -ātus past participle suffix; see in-2, -ate1; akin to stigma, stick2
The coronavirus pandemic has instigated civil unrest, an economic downturn and a public health crisis, but Ritchie Torres sees an opportunity for bold leadership to improve the nation.
Ritchie Torres, set to be first out Afro-Latino in Congress, seeks big changes amid COVID|Chris Johnson|September 9, 2020|Washington Blade
In the case of Baltimore, as a ProPublica investigation explored in detail last year, a police pullback appeared to be an instigating element that combined with other problems to create a breakdown of civil order in the city.
What Can Mayors Do When the Police Stop Doing Their Jobs?|by Alec MacGillis|September 3, 2020|ProPublica
The liberated soul does not cease to act, to think, to create, to instigate revolutionary flows.
On Torture, Chuck Johnson & Sondheim|James Poulos|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Republicans will continue to avoid a grand bargain and instigate crises.
No Matter How Crazy Washington Is, Americans Can’t Stop Shopping|Daniel Gross|March 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
As such, the U.A.E. is not a bad place to instigate change in the region.
Global Women’s Group Makes a Move|Jimmy So|September 20, 2011|DAILY BEAST
And he is at a stage in his life now where he can instigate projects.
Christopher Plummer's Depths|Lorenza Muñoz|June 2, 2011|DAILY BEAST
He's always trying to instigate and stuff like that, and my friends back home don't do that.
DJ Pauly D Sounds Off|Marlow Stern|March 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST
He requires no money reward to instigate him to excellence, as do those who deal in racehorses and run for prizes.
Travelling Sketches.|Anthony Trollope
A few words from her were enough to instigate the Onzarian officer to challenge you.
Evil Out of Onzar|Mark Ganes
To instigate the slave to insurrection is a crime for which no rebuke and no punishment can be too severe.
Slavery|William E. Channing
Easy it was to instigate the ferocious spirit: in the heart of Sigurd stood his sword.
The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson|Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
Abet and instigate are now used almost without exception in a bad sense; one may incite either to good or evil.
English Synonyms and Antonyms|James Champlin Fernald
British Dictionary definitions for instigate
instigate
/ (ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt) /
verb(tr)
to bring about, as by incitement or urgingto instigate rebellion