Category:Instigate

In"sti*gate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Instigated; p. pr. & vb. n. Instigating.] Etym: [L. instigatus, p. p. of instigare to instigate; pref. in- in + a root akin to G. stechen to prick, E. stick. See Stick.]

Defn: To goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite; -- used chiefly with reference to evil actions; as to instigate one to a crime. He hath only instigated his blackest agents to the very extent of their malignity. Bp. Warburton.

Syn. -- To stimulate; urge; spur; provoke; tempt; incite; impel; encourage; animate.