instigate etymology

Etymology:

The term "instigate" has its roots in Latin. It derives from the verb "instigare," meaning "to urge on, provoke, or incite." This verb is composed of two parts:

  • "In-" (prefix): Meaning "into" or "within"
  • "Stiga-" (stem of "stigare"): Meaning "to prick, goad, or incite"

Therefore, "instigate" literally means "to goad into" or "to incite within."

Meaning:

To instigate means to actively incite, provoke, or encourage someone or something to do something. It is often used in a negative sense to describe the act of inciting violence, disorder, or trouble.

Origin:

The word "instigate" first appeared in the English language in the 16th century. It was borrowed directly from the Latin verb "instigare." The use of the term has remained largely unchanged since its inception, and it continues to be widely employed in both formal and informal contexts.

instigate relate terms

  • instigation

    Etymology Latin instigare meaning to goad Proto Indo European steig meaning

  • stick

    Etymology The word stick comes from the Old English word sticca which meant a shor

  • prompt

    Etymology From Middle English prompte from Old French proute alteration influenced by

  • inspire

    Etymology From Middle English insipyre from Anglo Norman French inspirer from Latin i

  • excite

    Etymology Excite comes from the Latin word excitare which means to stir up arouse o

  • foment

    Etymology The word foment originates from the Latin word fōvēre which means to w

  • entice

    Etymology The word entice comes from the Old French word enticer which in turn is d

  • suborn

    Etymology Late Latin subornare Latin sub beneath ornare to adorn Meaning

  • make

    Etymology The study of the origin and history of words Meaning Etymology is the branch

  • provoke

    Etymology The word provoke derives from the Latin verb provocare meaning to call fo