instigate

present singular third person instigates · participle present instigating · participle past instigated · past instigated

1. transitiveTo bring about by urging or encouraging.

   to instigate a riot

   3 more examples

   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.

   1988 February 14, Elizabeth Pincus, “Arizona Impeaches Right-Wing Governor”, in Gay Community News, volume 15, number 30, page 1

   If the man perceives that his partner has arousal or orgasmic difficulties, this is likely to influence his desire to instigate sexual activity and/or his enjoyment and pleasure in being sexual with his partner.

   2017, Desa Markovic, Working with Sexual Issues in Psychotherapy

   Synonyms: foment, provoke

2. transitiveTo goad or urge (a person) forward, especially to wicked actions.

   to instigate someone to a crime

   2 more examples

   he might instigate them to swear against the law of God

   1678, Robert Barclay, An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

   He hath only instigated his blackest agents to the very extent of their malignity.

   1738–1741, William Warburton, The Divine Legation of Moses […], volume (please specify |volume=I, II.1, or II.2), London: […] Fletcher Gyles, […], →OCLC

   Synonyms: animate, encourage, impel, incite, provoke, spur, stimulate, tempt · Antonyms: halt, prevent, stop