instigate (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/

Definition

To bring about or initiate (an action or event), especially something undesirable or violent.

Examples

• The rebels planned to instigate a coup d'état.

• His comments were seen as an attempt to instigate conflict between the two groups.

• The teacher had to step in before the argument escalated and she had to instigate disciplinary action.

How to Use instigate

instigate something (collocation)

To start or cause something to happen, usually something negative. — "The committee was formed to instigate reforms."

instigate an investigation (collocation)

To officially start a process of examining something. — "The police will instigate an investigation into the alleged fraud."

Synonyms of instigate

Words with a similar meaning to instigate:

• initiate
• provoke
• incite
• foment

Antonyms of instigate

Words with the opposite meaning to instigate:

• suppress
• quell
• halt

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary