verb
incite
in-SYTE/ɪnˈsaɪt/
To urge or provoke action, often harmful.
She tries to incite him to throw a brick through the window.
Etymology
The original image is putting people into rapid motion, extended figuratively to rousing or urging them. The selected sense applies that impulse to action, especially unlawful or violent action.
In context
The two people I killed wanted to provoke a conflict between our nations. They forged tokens and credentials and spread rumors in the markets to incite public anger.
More examples
- He is accused of inciting violence during the protest.
- The false rumor incites panic across the neighborhood.
- She refuses to share messages intended to incite hatred.
Forms
incite · incites · incited · inciting