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instigate

in·sti·gate
I i

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [in-sti-geyt]
    • /ˈɪn stɪˌgeɪt/
    • /ˈɪn.stɪ.ɡeɪt/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [in-sti-geyt]
    • /ˈɪn stɪˌgeɪt/

Definitions of instigate word

  • verb with object instigate to cause by incitement; foment: to instigate a quarrel. 1
  • verb with object instigate to urge, provoke, or incite to some action or course: to instigate the people to revolt. 1
  • noun instigate Bring about or initiate (an action or event). 1
  • transitive verb instigate cause: sth 1
  • transitive verb instigate incite, provoke: sb 1
  • verb instigate Someone who instigates an event causes it to happen. 0

Information block about the term

Origin of instigate

First appearance:

before 1535
One of the 29% oldest English words
1535-45; < Latin instīgātus past participle of instīgāre to goad on, impel, equivalent to in- in-2 + -stīg- goad, prick (akin to stigma, stick2) + -ātus -ate1

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Instigate

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

instigate popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 70% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

instigate usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for instigate

verb instigate

  • plot — a secret plan or scheme to accomplish some purpose, especially a hostile, unlawful, or evil purpose: a plot to overthrow the government.
  • abet — If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something criminal or wrong. Abet is often used in the legal expression 'aid and abet'.
  • prompt — done, performed, delivered, etc., at once or without delay: a prompt reply.
  • initiate — to begin, set going, or originate: to initiate major social reforms.
  • bring about — To bring something about means to cause it to happen.

Antonyms for instigate

verb instigate

  • deter — To deter someone from doing something means to make them not want to do it or continue doing it.
  • dissuade — to deter by advice or persuasion; persuade not to do something (often followed by from): She dissuaded him from leaving home.
  • ignore — to refrain from noticing or recognizing: to ignore insulting remarks.
  • repress — to keep under control, check, or suppress (desires, feelings, actions, tears, etc.).
  • suppress — to put an end to the activities of (a person, body of persons, etc.): to suppress the Communist and certain left-leaning parties.

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See also

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