'Instigate' definitions:
Definition of 'instigate'
From: WordNet
Definition of 'Instigate'
From: GCIDE
- Instigate \In"sti*gate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Instigated; p. pr. & vb. n. Instigating.] [L. instigatus, p. p. of instigare to instigate; pref. in- in + a root akin to G. stechen to prick, E. stick. See Stick.] To goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite; -- used chiefly with reference to evil actions; as, to instigate one to a crime. [1913 Webster]
- He hath only instigated his blackest agents to the very extent of their malignity. --Bp. Warburton.
- Syn: To stimulate; urge; spur; provoke; tempt; incite; impel; encourage; animate. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'instigate'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- abet,
- activate,
- actuate,
- agitate,
- arouse,
- blow the coals,
- bring,
- bring on,
- call forth,
- contrive,
- draw down,
- draw on,
- effect,
- elicit,
- evoke,
- excite,
- fan,
- fan the flame,
- feed the fire,
- ferment,
- fire,
- foment,
- get,
- goad,
- heat,
- heat up,
- hint,
- impassion,
- incense,
- incite,
- induce,
- inflame,
- insinuate,
- inspire,
- lead,
- motivate,
- nettle,
- obtain,
- pique,
- plan,
- plot,
- procure,
- provoke,
- put up to,
- raise,
- rally,
- scheme,
- set,
- set on,
- sic on,
- stir the embers,
- stir up,
- suggest,
- superinduce,
- tickle,
- urge,
- whet,
- whip up,
- work up