instigate
UK[ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt]US[ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt]
v
To cause an event or situation to happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin.
v
To urge or persuade someone to do something, especially something bad or violent.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
stig
ate
in
stig
ate
Etymology
The word 'instigate' has a direct lineage from the Latin verb instigare, meaning 'to urge on, to incite'. This Latin verb itself is built from the intensive prefix in- combined with stigare, a verb related to 'pricking' or 'goading', akin to the pointed stick used to prod animals. The semantic core has always involved the idea of provoking or initiating action, often with a negative connotation of incitement. Over time, the meaning broadened slightly from personal urging to also encompass the act of initiating processes or events, though the sense of deliberate provocation remains central.
Analysis
Structure: in + stig + ate
- in (Latin): A prefix meaning 'in, into, on, toward'. Here, it functions as an intensive prefix, adding force.
- stig (Latin): A root from the Latin verb stigare, meaning 'to goad, to prick, to incite'.
- ate (Latin): A verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make, to act, to cause'.
Examples
The report accused him of instigating the violent protest.
The new evidence may instigate a review of the case.
She was charged with instigating others to commit fraud.