Words / C1

INST-ig-ayt/ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/

To instigate is to cause a process or event to start, especially something unwelcome: instigate an inquiry, instigate a reprint. Cause (already in the dictionary) is everyday; incite (this batch) is hotter and often unlawful. A lobby mood is not a minute.

Meaning

To cause a process or event to start, especially something unwelcome.

Examples

• “Do not instigate a reprint from a lobby mood; wait for the minute.”
• “Initiate is the neutral twin. Incite is this batch and hotter. A mood is talk. A minute is a file. Get the signature; then reprint.”

Good to know

Start (often something unwelcome). Neutral: initiate. A lobby mood ≠ a minute.

Near in meaning

initiate, prompt, provoke

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