instigate

instigate

CEFR: C1-C2 /in-sti-gate/ [ih1.n.s.t.ah0.g.ey2.t]

To instigate is to provoke, or stir up, but if often used in a negative way. Many times when you instigate something, it may not end up how you planned.

Example sentences using instigate:

Example Sentences:
There has been an increase in the amount of violence instigated by gangs.
She blamed him for instigating (meaning starting) the argument.​
The government has instigated an investigation into the cause of the accident.