egg on

Definition

To encourage or coax (a person) to do something, especially something foolhardy or reckless.

Etymology

* From Middle English eggen (“to incite; urge on; instigate”), from Old Norse eggja (“to incite”), from egg (“edge”). More at edge. * A variant of the archaic "edge on."

Example Sentences

• "The Neatreſſe longing for the reſt, did egge him on to tell / How faire ſhe vvas, and vvho ſhe vvas."
• "The affair made a great sensation, and the Darleyfords and their connections said bitter things of Mrs. Dallington, and talked much of rash youth and subtle woman of discreeter years, and passions shamefully inflamed, and purposes wickedly egged on."
• "He resented the idea of interference from those who had […] egged him on to a new peril."