Entry Word: incite

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to cause or encourage the development of <the rock bandʼs failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours>

Synonyms abet, ferment, foment, instigate, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up)

Related Words forward, foster, further, promote, sow, stimulate; set off, trigger; excite, galvanize, inflame, inspire, motivate, rouse; activate, energize, quicken, vitalize

Near Antonyms check, curb, discourage, inhibit, restrain; calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

2 to rouse to strong feeling or action <the demagogueʼs speech incited the crowd to riot> — see provoke 1