Instigate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt/ in·sti·gate

Meaning & Definition of Instigate

Instigate (verb)

  1. to goad or urge forward, provoke

Instigate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy"

    similar: abet, brew, ferment, foment, incite, 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 charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism"

    similar: arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, 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 Instigate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Instigate:

abet, brew, ferment, foment, incite, 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 Instigate

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 Instigate

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 Instigate

Inflections: instigated, instigating

Derived words: instigation (noun), instigative (adjective), instigator (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Instigate

Latin instigatus, past participle of instigare stick

First known use: 1542

Frequently Asked Questions about Instigate

What does "Instigate" mean?

"Instigate" means to goad or urge forward, provoke. As a verb, it is defined as: to goad or urge forward, provoke. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Instigate"?

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

What are different ways to say "Instigate"?

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

How do you use "Instigate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Instigate" in a sentence: "the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy"; "the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism".

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

"Instigate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Instigate"?

"Instigate" is pronounced /ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt/ and divided into syllables as in·sti·gate.

What is the origin of the word "Instigate"?

"Instigate" comes from Latin instigatus, past participle of instigare stick. First known use: 1542.

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

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