incitement

Everyday

1. The act of encouraging or stirring people up to do something bad, violent or against the law. tree →
2. (law) The crime of urging people to commit a crime or violence: «incitement to violence», «incitement to hatred». tree →
3. Something that pushes people to act; a cause or reason. tree →

In the lessons

Seen in history lessons (riots, rebellions), the news and law. In the UK and many countries «incitement to racial hatred» is against the law. In ethics, it raises the question of whether the person who stirs others up is to blame for what they do.

Examples

• He was arrested for incitement to violence. tree →
• Incitement to hatred is against the law. tree →
• The speech was an incitement to riot. tree →
• Posting threats online can be incitement. tree →
• The judge said the words were a clear incitement. tree →
• Shouting «Get him!» to a crowd can be incitement. tree →

Note

Related verb: incite (to stir up). Usually about bad actions. Do not confuse with «excitement» (a happy, eager feeling).