GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Instigate , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Instigated ; p. pr. & vb. n. Instigating .] [L. instigatus, p. p. of instigare to instigate; pref. in- in + a root akin to G. stechen to prick, E. stick. See Stick.] To goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite; -- used chiefly with reference to evil actions; as, to instigate one to a crime.
   1913 Webster
   He hath only instigated his blackest agents to the very extent of their malignity.
   Bp. Warburton.
   Syn. -- To stimulate; urge; spur; provoke; tempt; incite; impel; encourage; animate.
   1913 Webster