in·sti·gate \ˈinztəˌgāt, ˈin(t)stə-, usu -ād.+V\transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Latin instigatus, past participle of instigare — more at stick : to goad or urge forward : set on : provoke, incite < his past experience instigated him to boldness > < instigating a plot to overthrow the government > Synonyms:see incite