instigate

Everyday

1. (formal) To start something or make it happen, such as an inquiry, a plan or changes. tree →
2. To stir up or encourage trouble, a fight or bad behaviour, often while staying in the background. tree →

In the lessons

Used in news, school reports and the exam voice: «the head teacher instigated new rules». In playground stories it often names the one who started the trouble: «Who instigated the fight?». It helps a reader see who is responsible, which matters in fairness and ethics lessons. Related noun: «instigator» (the person who starts it), «instigation» («at his instigation» = because he urged it).

Examples

• The council instigated a plan to make the park safer. tree →
• The teacher wanted to know who had instigated the food fight. tree →
• Jake didn't throw anything, but he instigated the whole argument. tree →
• The school instigated a new reading programme for every class. tree →
• Police instigated an investigation after the window was smashed. tree →
• She was accused of instigating the trouble on the bus. tree →
• The changes were made at the instigation of the parents' group. tree →

Note

Regular verb: instigated, instigating. The instigator is often blamed more than the others, even if they did less with their own hands. Not the same as «investigate» (to look into something) – a common mix-up: police investigate a fight; a troublemaker instigates it.