incite

One entry found for incite.

Main Entry: in·cite
Pronunciation: in-'sIt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): in·cit·ed; in·cit·ing
Etymology: Middle French inciter, from Latin incitare, from in- + citare to put in motion -- more at CITE
: to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on
- in·cit·ant /-'sI-t^&nt/ noun
- in·cite·ment /-'sIt-m&nt/ noun
- in·cit·er noun
synonyms INCITE, INSTIGATE, ABET, FOMENT mean to spur to action. INCITE stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating <inciting a riot>. INSTIGATE definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention <instigated a conspiracy>. ABET implies both assisting and encouraging <aiding and abetting the enemy>. FOMENT implies persistence in goading <fomenting rebellion>.