Instigate

Instigate

Verb · /ˈɪn.stɪ.ɡeɪt/

Definition

To bring about or initiate (an action or event), especially one that is controversial or undesirable; to incite or stir up.

Origin

From Latin instigare (to goad, to urge on), from in- + stigare (to prick, to goad), from a root related to Greek stizein (to prick, to tattoo). Used in English from the mid-16th century.