Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

instigate

/ˈɪnstəɡeɪt/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.76 in modern English

Syllables: in-sti-gate
IPA: /ˈɪnstəɡeɪt/

10

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

3

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To bring about by urging or encouraging.

Transitive verb

verb

To goad or urge (a person) forward, especially to wicked actions.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"to instigate a riot"
"to instigate a change"
"In light of growing outrage against Mecham, House special counsel William French instigated an investigation into the governor's affairs last fall."
"If the man perceives that his partner has arousal or orgasmic difficulties, this is likely to influence his desire to instigate sexual activity and/or his enjoyment and pleasure in being sexual with his partner."
"to instigate someone to a crime"
"he might instigate them to swear against the law of God"

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin īnstīgātus, perfect passive participle of īnstīgō (“to instigate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

Word Breakdown

Root: *(s)teyg-

Usage

Transitive verb

Inflected Forms

instigates (present, singular) instigating (participle, present) instigated (participle, past) instigated (past)

Derived Forms

instigatable instigatingly instigative instigatory reinstigate uninstigated

Frequently Paired Words

instigation instigator

Synonyms

foment provoke animate encourage impel incite spur stimulate tempt urge

Antonyms

halt prevent stop

Questions

How do you pronounce instigate?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈɪnstəɡeɪt/.
What does instigate mean?: To bring about by urging or encouraging.
Where does instigate come from?: Borrowed from Latin īnstīgātus, perfect passive participle of īnstīgō (“to instigate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

How to pronounce instigate

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