Incite
/ɪnˈsaɪt/
Definitions
To encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior).
/ɪnˈsaɪt/
To encourage or stir up violent or unlawful behavior.
The protestors were accused of inciting violence.
💡 Simply: To push someone to do something bad or get into trouble. Like when your friend tells you to jump the fence at the park, even though you're not supposed to!
👶 For kids: To make someone want to do something bad or naughty.
More Examples
The newspaper article incited outrage among its readers.
The leader's speech incited a rebellion.
How It's Used
"The speaker's inflammatory words incited the crowd to riot."
"The police are investigating whether anyone incited the protesters to violence."
Idioms & expressions
incitement to violence
The act of encouraging others to commit violence.
"The politician's speech was considered incitement to violence, leading to legal action."
From Latin incitare, from in- (in, on) + citare (to urge, summon).
Used since the early 16th century, often in religious and political contexts to describe stirring up negative emotions or actions.
Memory tip
Imagine you're *inside* a fire, and someone adds more fuel to *incite* the flames.
Word Origin
"to set in motion, urge on"