instigate

//ˈɪn.stɪ.ɡeɪt//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of instigate

Verb

instigateInfinitive
instigatePresent tense
instigatedPast tense
instigatedPast participle
instigatingPresent participle
instigatesThird-person singular
1

To cause an event or situation to happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin.

The government instigated a series of reforms to improve the education system.

2

To encourage or persuade someone to do something, especially something bad or illegal.

He was accused of instigating the workers to go on strike.

instigate - Deep Vocabulary