Instigate is often used as a synonym of incite (as in "siblings instigating a fight"), but the two words differ slightly in their overall usage.

Under (1a) for one's heart to undertake an activity - as an instigator or agent - is to desire to do that activity without actually doing it.

Instigator definition: a person or thing that provokes or incites an action or course: Plays to be performed at the festival focus on a theme of how youth can be the instigators of positive …

Definition of instigator noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

To initiate or bring about, often by inciting: instigate a public discussion of the issue; instigate...

Jun 18, 2025 · Instigators are typically average Americans, quite often from a background that we would not consider a position of power. They are "housewives," students, small business …

The instigator of an event is the person who causes it to happen. He was accused of being the main instigator of the coup.

noun someone who deliberately foments trouble “she was the instigator of their quarrel” synonyms: firebrand, inciter, instigant, provoker see more see less

to urge or provoke to some action:[~ + object + to + verb/object] to instigate people to revolt. in•sti•ga•tor, n. [countable] Blame the riot on those instigators. in•sti•gate (in′ sti gāt′), v.t., …

Synonyms for INSTIGATOR: proponent, supporter, promoter, rebel, advocate, agitator, demonstrator, provocateur; Antonyms of INSTIGATOR: peacemaker, reconciler, uniter