instigates; instigated; instigating
: to cause (something) to happen or begin
There has been an increase in the amount of violence instigated by gangs.
She blamed him for instigating [=starting] the argument.
The government has instigated an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Cite this Entry
“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/instigate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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