Incite — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈsīt/ in·cite

Meaning & Definition of Incite

Incite (verb)

  1. to move (someone) to action, urge on
  2. to cause (a usually violent action or feeling) to occur

Incite (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

    "the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours"

    similar: abet, brew, ferment, foment, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set in motion
    related: advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate, detonate, set, set off, trigger, excite, galvanize, inflame, inspire, motivate, rouse, activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, vitalize
    near: bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize

  2. to rouse to strong feeling or action

    "the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot"

    similar: arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, instigate, move, pique, provoke, rev (up), spark, stimulate, stir, build a fire under
    related: fan, ignite, inflame, kindle, trigger, activate, animate, drive, energize, galvanize, induce, inspire, key (up), motivate, motive, pump up, quicken, set off, vitalize, abet, ferment, foment, raise, whip (up), anger, enrage, madden, upset, jeer, taunt, tease, aggravate, annoy, bother, exasperate, gall, get, irritate, vex
    near: calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize, appease, mollify, pacify, placate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Incite

The most common words with a similar meaning to Incite:

abet, brew, ferment, foment, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up), arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, move, pique, rev (up), spark, stimulate, stir, set in motion, build a fire under

Related Words for Incite

advance, cultivate, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, detonate, set, set off, trigger, galvanize, inflame, inspire, motivate, rouse, activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, vitalize, fan, ignite

Near Antonyms of Incite

bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize, appease, mollify, pacify, placate

Word Forms of Incite

Inflections: incited, inciting

Derived words: incitant (noun), incitement (noun), inciter (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Incite

Middle French inciter, from Latin incitare, from in- + citare to put in motion cite

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Incite

What does "Incite" mean?

"Incite" means to move (someone) to action, urge on. As a verb, it is defined as: to move (someone) to action, urge on. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Incite"?

Other words for "Incite" include abet, brew, ferment, foment, instigate, pick, provoke and raise. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Incite" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Incite"?

There are 75 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Incite". Common alternatives include abet, brew, ferment, foment, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up) and whip (up).

How do you use "Incite" in a sentence?

Examples of "Incite" in a sentence: "the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours"; "the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot".

Is "Incite" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Incite" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Incite"?

"Incite" is pronounced /in-ˈsīt/ and divided into syllables as in·cite.

What is the origin of the word "Incite"?

"Incite" comes from Middle French inciter, from Latin incitare, from in- + citare to put in motion cite. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Incite" meaning "to bring (something volatile or intense) into being"?

When "Incite" (verb) means to bring (something volatile or intense) into being, synonyms include abet, brew, ferment, foment, instigate and pick.