verb

instigate

IN-stih-gayt/ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/

To bring about an action or event by encouraging or provoking it.

The teenager instigates the risky prank by daring a friend to reach toward the vase.

School-age teen whispers a dare and points toward a fragile vase while friend reaches toward it, troubling action prompted by peer, no writing.

Etymology

Latin instigare meant “urge on” or “incite,” placing the emphasis on prompting action. In this sense, that prompting encourages or brings about trouble or conflict.

In context

Andrew Huberman106:30

I will remember my dreams and I will instigate control in my dreams

Dr. Matt Walker: The Science of Dreams, Nightmares & Lucid Dreaming | Huberman Lab Guest Series

More examples

Several parents instigated a campaign to improve school lunches.
She denies instigating the fight.
He spreads rumors to instigate trouble at work.

Forms

instigate · instigates · instigated · instigating

instigation noun — The act of encouraging or provoking action.

instigator noun — A person who encourages or provokes action.

Similar words

incite: Emphasizes urging people to act, often violently or unlawfully.
provoke: Emphasizes causing a reaction, especially anger or resistance.
initiate: Emphasizes taking the first step, without necessarily encouraging others.