instigate

/ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/
verb
  1. To cause or provoke an event or action, especially something negative or controversial.
    • The company's new policy instigated a wave of complaints from employees.
    • A small argument can instigate a larger conflict if not handled carefully.
    • The politician was accused of trying to instigate a riot with his angry speech.
  2. To urge or encourage someone to do something, often something wrong or disruptive.
    • She instigated her friends to join the prank by daring them.
    • The older kids instigated the younger ones to steal candy from the store.
    • The coach was fired for instigating players to play dirty.
What does "instigate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean