instigate — to cause an event or situation to happen by making a series of actions or a formal process begin
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to cause an event or situation to happen by making a series of actions or a formal process begin
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt/
Example Sentences
- My cat seems to instigate fights between my neighbors by knocking over their flower pots at 3 AM.
- The company decided to instigate new safety measures after the coffee machine incident.
- Who instigated the office pizza war of 2023? We need answers!
instigate
VERB[/ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt/]
to cause an event or situation to happen by making a series of actions or a formal process begin
The senator secretly instigates a rebellion by whispering to angry generals in the shadows.
Investigate who did instigate, then mitigate before it's too late!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'instigare,' which combines 'in-' (toward) and 'stigare' (to prick or goad). The word originally meant to urge on or incite, derived from the image of prodding someone forward.
Breakdown
in- (into/toward) + stigate (to prick/urge) = instigate (to incite or set in motion)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat seems to instigate fights between my neighbors by knocking over their flower pots at 3 AM.”
“The company decided to instigate new safety measures after the coffee machine incident.”
“Who instigated the office pizza war of 2023? We need answers!”
“The government will instigate an investigation into the data breach.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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