instigate

Definition

To bring about by urging or encouraging.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin īnstīgātus, perfect passive participle of īnstīgō (“to instigate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

Example Sentences

• "to instigate a riot"
• "to instigate a change"
• "In light of growing outrage against Mecham, House special counsel William French instigated an investigation into the governor's affairs last fall."

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