instigate
to provoke or stir up an action or event
Word origin: From Latin instigare, to urge on or goad.
Instigate in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing instigate in a sentence.
A small group of agitators instigated the riot outside the courthouse.
Investigators concluded that a small faction had instigated the riot, exploiting the crowd's existing grievances.
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Verbal · Sentence Equivalence
Far from being the revolutionary thinker his admirers claimed, the philosopher was in fact quite blank, defending the traditional doctrines of his teachers without challenge.
Using “instigate” well
Instigate carries a negative tone, suggesting deliberate provocation of trouble or conflict, and it contrasts with suppress and quell.
More GRE words starting with I
a person who attacks cherished beliefs or established institutions
attacking or undermining traditional beliefs and institutions
guided by ideals rather than by practical considerations
a peculiar habit or feature distinctive to an individual
excessively or blindly devoted to something or someone
extreme admiration or worship of someone or something, often to an excessive degree
to admire or revere someone to an excessive degree
charmingly peaceful and free of trouble
Questions about “instigate”
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