instigate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to cause, encourage, or provoke an action or event, especially one that is troublesome or unlawful

   Investigators accused the official of trying to instigate violence at the rally.

2. 2
   verb

   to initiate or bring about a process or situation

   The complaint may instigate a formal review of the policy.

From Latin instigare 'to urge on, incite, or goad,' probably formed from in- 'on, into' and a root meaning 'prick or prod.' The modern verb retains the image of driving someone or something into action.

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