instigate

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

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

I have no doubt that Pizarro instigated the soldiers himself. — South American Fights and Fighters, and Other Tales of Adventure, Cyrus Townsend Brady
"Now, sir, who instigated this miserable deception--I beg Your Honor's pardon! — By Advice of Counsel, Arthur Cheney Train
It was intended for her, and now, who had instigated it? — Madeline Payne, the Detective's Daughter, Lawrence L. Lynch

incite, set off, stir up

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