noun

instigation

instigation, incitement, prompting

The riot started at the instigation of a few extremists.

The riot started at the instigation of a few extremists.

at the instigation of ((sb.)) causing an event to happen, usually a bad one The inquiry was started at the instigation of the press.

Synonyms: incitement, provocation, prompting; Antonyms: dissuasion

From Latin 'instigare' (to urge on), from 'in-' (on) + 'stigare' (to prick, incite).

Think of 'stinging' someone into action. The instigation is the 'sting' that gets something started, often something negative.

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