incite

Everyday

1. To stir up or encourage people to do something bad or violent, or to feel angry. tree →
2. (law) To urge someone to commit a crime, which can itself be a crime. tree →

In the lessons

In history and law it describes people who encourage riots or hatred. In ethics it shows how words can lead others to harm. Phrases: incite violence, incite a riot, incite hatred.

Examples

• The man was arrested for inciting a riot. tree →
• Posting hateful messages can incite violence. tree →
• The villain incited the crowd to storm the castle. tree →
• Words can incite hatred, so choose them with care. tree →
• He incited his friends to break the rules. tree →

Note

Noun: incitement. Do not confuse with «insight» (deep understanding) — they sound similar. Usually about bad actions.

In Jewish tradition

It means to stir up or urge, as in turning a city against its ruler or praying for death to come on enemies.

Interpretation. The psalm shows a person asking God to deal with the wicked, and the story of Gaal shows how rebels stir up trouble.

Examples

• May He incite death against them, let them go down alive into the nether-world; for evil is in their dwelling, and within them. (Writings PSA.55.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he sent messengers unto Abimelech in Tormah, saying: 'Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren are come to Shechem; and, behold, they will incite the city against thee. (Prophets JDG.9.31, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Noun: incitement. Do not confuse with «insight» (deep understanding) — they sound similar. Usually about bad actions.