What does instigate mean?
Instigate is a formal verb meaning to bring an activity or event into being, or to prompt someone to take action. Its use often suggests that the resulting process may be contentious or disruptive, which is why it commonly appears with words such as conflict, violence, change, or an investigation. In neutral contexts, it can describe initiating a practical or constructive process, such as reforms or research. The word is transitive and is followed by a noun naming the action or event: to instigate change, an inquiry, or hostilities. Although it is sometimes used in the sense of encouraging another person to act, its more established use is the initiation of a process or event. The related noun instigation refers to the act of setting something in motion, while an instigator is the person who does so.
verbTo cause or initiate an action, especially one that is undesirable or disruptive. It can also mean to encourage someone to take a particular action.
- To cause or bring about an action or event, especially one that is unwelcome or disruptive.
- To encourage or provoke someone to act, especially in a contentious or harmful way.
"The governor appointed a committee to investigate the allegations and instigate reforms."
"The new director instigated a review of the company's safety procedures."
"Several witnesses claimed that the article was designed to instigate violence between the two communities."
The word 'instigate' often carries a warning signal: it can describe either a practical beginning or the deliberate stirring-up of trouble.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does instigate come from?
Instigate comes from Latin instigare, a verb meaning to urge on, provoke, or set in motion. The word was borrowed into English in the 16th century and initially carried the sense of prompting or encouraging someone to act. Its modern sense of initiating an event, especially an unwelcome one, developed through its association with stirrup, provoke, and incite.
Related word forms
How instigate is actually used
Instigate is formal and commonly has a negative or cautionary connotation, particularly when used of conflict, unrest, or disputed activity. It can also be used in neutral contexts such as instigating change, reform, or an investigation.
Easily confused with instigate
No distinction is needed because this is the headword itself.