ins
ti
gate
Third Person
instigates
Present Participle
instigating
Past Tense
instigated
Past Participle
instigated
1
to deliberately provoke, encourage, or initiate actions that lead to conflict, hostility, or harmful consequences
transitive
- With a calculated move, the agent planted false evidence to instigate suspicion and create chaos within the organization.
- In an attempt to gain control, the dictator used propaganda to instigate fear and suppress dissent among the citizens.
- Driven by their deep-seated jealousy, the envious neighbor attempted to instigate conflict between the two families.
2
to cause something to begin or occur
transitive
- The new policy instigated changes in the company's workflow.
- The manager's decision to cut costs instigated a series of employee protests.
- The controversial art exhibition instigated a fierce debate about freedom of expression.
- Propelled by a viral video, the incident quickly instigated a nationwide conversation on racial equality.
- Prompted by an anonymous tip, the investigative journalist's report instigated a government inquiry into corruption.