instigator
UK[ˈɪnstɪɡeɪtə]US[ˈɪnstɪɡeɪtər]
n
a person who causes something to happen, especially something bad or violent, by initiating it or encouraging others to do so.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
stig
ator
in
in, into, on, upon
stig
to goad, to prick, to incite
ator
a person who does something
Etymology
the word 'instigator' has a direct lineage from latin. it is formed from the verb 'instigare', meaning 'to urge, incite, or goad on', which itself is composed of the intensive prefix 'in-' and the root 'stigare', related to 'stinguere' (to goad). this root carries the core sense of prodding or provoking into action. the agent suffix '-ator' was then added to denote the person who performs the act of incitement. thus, the literal construction of 'one who goads or prods into action' evolved seamlessly into the modern meaning of a person who initiates, especially trouble or conflict.
Analysis
Structure: in + stig + ator
in- (latin, prefix meaning 'in, into, on, upon'), stig (latin, from root of 'stigare', meaning 'to goad, to prick, to incite'), -ator (latin, agent noun suffix meaning 'a person who does something').
Examples
the police identified the main instigator of the riot.
she was accused of being the instigator behind the plot to overthrow the leadership.
in many conflicts, it is difficult to pinpoint the original instigator.