Instigated
ˈɪnstɪɡeɪtɪd
Definitions
To cause an event or situation to happen, usually something negative; to start something.
ˈɪnstɪɡeɪtɪd
To bring about or initiate an action or event.
The government was accused of instigating the violence.
💡 Simply: Instigated means to start something, like when you accidentally start a whole argument by saying one little thing. It’s like lighting the match that sets the whole situation on fire! It is almost always associated with the beginning of something negative
👶 For kids: To make something happen, like starting a game or a fight!
More Examples
He instigated a debate about the controversial topic.
Her inflammatory speech instigated a wave of protests.
The teacher told the kids not to instigate any trouble during recess.
How It's Used
"The protestors instigated a riot."
"The lawyer argued that the defendant instigated the fight."
"A rumor instigated the panic."
Idioms & expressions
Instigate a rebellion
To encourage or cause a group of people to rebel against authority.
"The radical group aimed to instigate a rebellion against the oppressive regime."
Instigate a fight
To provoke or start a physical altercation.
"The bully tried to instigate a fight with the smaller kid."
Instigate a conflict
To cause the beginning of a serious disagreement or clash between two parties.
"The diplomat’s actions were seen as an attempt to instigate a conflict between the two nations."
From Latin *instīgāre* 'to incite, urge on', from *stīgāre* 'to prick, goad'.
The word 'instigate' has been used since the 16th century and originally meant 'to urge on'. It has been used widely to describe the initiation of negative or unwanted events.
Memory tip
Imagine poking someone with a stick to make them start something (often unwanted) like a fight - that's instigating!