instigate
v. C1 Advanced US //ˈɪnstəˌɡeɪt// UK //ˈɪnstɪɡˌeɪt// in·sti·gate
v. to start a process, an event, or a conflict. You use this when someone takes the first action that leads to a bigger change or a fight.
v. to set in motion or initiate a process, event, or conflict. Often implies a deliberate or provocative action that leads to a specific consequence.
The new law will instigate a major change in the industry.
The manager's unfair treatment of the staff instigated a series of protests across the company.
Historians argue that the disputed border treaty instigated a chain of diplomatic events that eventually led to the outbreak of the war.
Borrowed from Latin īnstīgātus, perfect passive participle of īnstīgō (“to instigate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).