incitement
UK[ɪnˈsaɪtmənt]US[ɪnˈsaɪtmənt]
n
the action of encouraging someone to do something violent, unlawful, or unpleasant.
n
something that encourages such action.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
cite
ment
in
in, into
cite
to call, to rouse
ment
state or result of an action
Etymology
the word 'incitement' originates from latin, built upon the verb 'citare,' meaning 'to set in motion' or 'to summon,' which itself is an intensive form of 'ciere,' 'to set in motion.' the prefix 'in-' intensifies the action, giving a sense of 'into' motion. the suffix '-ment' was added in late latin and old french to form nouns denoting the action or result of the verb. thus, the literal construction 'to call into motion' evolved logically into the modern abstract meaning of an action or thing that urges or stirs others toward a specific, often provocative, behavior.
Analysis
Structure: in (in, into) + cite (to call, to rouse) + ment (state or result of an action)
in- (latin prefix meaning 'in, into, on'), citare (latin verb meaning 'to set in motion, to call'), -ment (latin suffix forming nouns indicating an action, process, or result).
Examples
his speech was seen as an incitement to violence.
the prosecutor argued the pamphlet constituted criminal incitement.
the harsh new law was the incitement for widespread protest.