incite

verb

in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting

transitive verb

: to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on
incitant noun
incitement noun
inciter noun
Choose the Right Synonym for incite

incite, instigate, abet, foment mean to spur to action.

incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

Examples of incite in a Sentence

The news incited widespread fear and paranoia. the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Steph Curry taunting Dillon Brooks, who incited a mini riot. The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 The destruction of the mosque incited Hindu-Muslim riots across the country, with the biggest and bloodiest of them in Mumbai. Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Sharing stories about your child’s autism can incite people's curiosity about autism. Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 While making Indy his star drew plenty of buzz following the film’s SXSW debut, putting his canine companion in on-screen peril has incited a mixed bag of audience reactions. Jack Dunn, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incite

Word History

Etymology

Middle French inciter, from Latin incitare, from in- + citare to put in motion — more at cite

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incite was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incite. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

incite

verb
in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
: to move to action : stir up
inciter noun

Medical Definition

incite

transitive verb
in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
: to bring into being : induce to exist or occur
organisms that readily incited antibody formation

Legal Definition

incite

transitive verb
in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
: to urge on
incite a riot
incitement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!