Legal Definitions - instigate

Definition:instigate, verb. To goad or incite (someone) to take some action or course.

Examples:

• She instigated the fight by insulting him.
• The coach instigated the team to work harder.
• He was accused of instigating the riot.

These examples illustrate how someone can instigate another person or group to take action. In the first example, the woman's insult instigated the fight. In the second example, the coach's encouragement instigated the team to work harder. In the third example, the person was accused of instigating the riot, meaning they were believed to have incited or goaded others to participate in the violent behavior.