Meaning & use
instigate
To bring about or start an action or event, especially one that causes trouble or conflict.
See it in a sentence
Investigators believe he instigated the fight that broke out after the game.
The union instigated a strike after negotiations broke down.
A note on using this word
Instigate usually has a negative connotation, suggesting the instigator stirred up trouble rather than simply starting something neutral.
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
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