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Meaning of instigate
The primary meaning of the word "instigate" is to provoke or initiate a particular action or reaction.
Etymology of instigate
The word "instigate" comes from the Latin words "in" meaning "on" or "against" and "stigare" meaning "to prick" or "to goad", which is derived from "stigma" meaning "a mark made by a pointed instrument"
Historically, the word has been used since the 15th century to describe the act of provoking or initiating a particular action or reaction
Synonyms
Definitions
- To provoke or initiate a particular action or reaction, especially a bad or violent one
- * To encourage or prompt someone to do something, often in a way that is considered wrong or immoral
Usage Examples
- The politician's speech was designed to instigate a sense of urgency among the voters
- * The company's new policy was intended to instigate a change in employee behavior
- * The activist's goal was to instigate a national conversation about social justice