Word
instigate
Phoneticsin·sti·gate
US/ˈɪnstəˌɡeɪt/
UK/ˈɪnstɪɡˌeɪt/
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The new law will instigate a major change in the industry.”
contextual
“The manager's unfair treatment of the staff instigated a series of protests across the company.”
complex
“Historians argue that the disputed border treaty instigated a chain of diplomatic events that eventually led to the outbreak of the war.”
Real-World Examples
“At the start of the new academic year in England next month, there will be a major expansion of access to free school meals instigated by the Labour government.” “Dalziel asked: "Had you done anything to instigate the police coming?"
The witness said: "No, I was in complete shock."
The trial, before Judge Lord Harrower, continues.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin īnstīgātus, perfect passive participle of īnstīgō (“to instigate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/instigate