noun
instigation
in-stih-GAY-shun/ˌɪnstɪˈɡeɪʃn/
The act of prompting someone to do something.
At one person's instigation, the hesitant colleague considers scattering the papers.
Etymology
Latin instigatio names the act of urging someone on. The early English sense “impelling force” highlights how such urging can push someone toward an action, especially wrongdoing.
In context
At his instigation I am forced to do these things against my will, she declared in a hard, bitter voice.
More examples
- The children hide their father's slippers at their mother's instigation.
- Without her sister's instigation, she rarely enters a competition.
- The manager denies any role in the instigation of the walkout.
Forms
instigation · instigations
instigate verb — To prompt someone to take action.
instigator noun — A person who prompts others to act.
Similar words
- prompting
- More neutral and often involves gentle reminders or cues.
- incitement
- Usually involves urging someone toward harmful or unlawful behavior.
- encouragement
- Emphasizes support and confidence rather than initiating someone's action.