instigate

/ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt/ (ame, mw)

instigate — verb

  • instigatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • instigateshe / she / it
  • instigatedpast simple
  • instigating-ing form

1. to make a planned action, official inquiry, or series of steps formally begin, s

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make a planned action, official inquiry, or series of steps formally begin, such as a court case or a review.

例句

The school board voted to instigate a full review of the lunch program.

instigate + [official process noun]

Imran instigated legal action against the company after losing his savings.

instigate + legal action

同義詞
  • initiate

    neutral and slightly less formal; simply starting something

  • launch

    stresses a noticeable public start, like a campaign

  • set in motion

    phrasal, everyday register for starting a process

反義詞
  • halt

    to stop a process that has begun

  • suppress

    to stop something from starting or growing

文法句型

instigate + noun

用法筆記

Subject is usually a person, group, or organisation in a position to start an official action; the object is typically a process noun (inquiry, lawsuit, review, reform). Distinguish from sense 2, which urges a person rather than starting a process.

常見錯誤

❌The fire instigated quickly through the building.
✅The fire spread quickly through the building.
💡instigate needs a person or group starting a planned action, not a thing moving on its own.

2. to push or encourage someone into doing something, usually something harmful, vi

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to push or encourage someone into doing something, usually something harmful, violent, or against the rules.

例句

Two older boys instigated the fight in the playground after class.

instigate + [harmful event]

Diego was accused of instigating the riot by shouting at the crowd.

instigate + riot / unrest

同義詞
  • provoke

    to deliberately cause an angry or violent reaction

  • incite

    close synonym, often used in legal contexts for stirring up crime or violence

  • stir up

    phrasal, informal; to cause trouble or strong feelings

反義詞
  • calm

    to reduce strong or violent feelings

  • discourage

    to make someone less likely to do something

文法句型

instigate + noun

instigate someone to do something

用法筆記

The object names something undesirable (a fight, riot, rebellion, hatred), so the word carries clear blame. Unlike sense 1, the trigger is aimed at people's behaviour rather than starting a neutral official process.

常見錯誤

❌She instigated her friends to study harder for the exam.
✅She encouraged her friends to study harder for the exam.
💡instigate sounds wrong for a good aim; use encourage or urge for positive goals.