The word "instigated" is the past tense of the verb "instigate," which means to initiate or incite an action, often one that is negative or controversial. Here are some synonyms and their explanations:
1. Provoked
- Explanation: "Provoked" means to stir up or arouse a reaction, usually an angry or violent one. It implies that someone or something has deliberately done something to elicit a response. For example, his rude remarks provoked an argument. When you provoke, you are intentionally creating a situation that might lead to a conflict or other actions, similar to how instigating can lead to a particular behavior.
- Example: The bully's taunts instigated a fight, just as his behavior had provoked the other kids many times before.
2. Incited
- Explanation: "Incited" means to encourage or stir up strong feelings or actions. It is often used in the context of inspiring people to take part in something, such as a riot or a revolution. For example, the passionate speech incited the crowd to demand change. Inciting is about rousing emotions and motivating others to act, much like instigating an action.
- Example: The rumors incited panic among the villagers, similar to how false information might instigate a sense of chaos.
3. Stirred up
- Explanation: This phrasal verb means to cause trouble or unrest by exciting or agitating. It implies a more general sense of creating a commotion or a reaction. For example, the politician's comments stirred up a lot of debate. It's a less formal way of saying instigated and focuses on the idea of creating a stir or a reaction.
- Example: The gossip stirred up conflict between the two friends, much like an instigated feud.
4. Sparked
- Explanation: "Sparked" means to start or trigger something, usually a process, an emotion, or an event. It gives the idea of a small action or event that leads to a larger reaction. For example, his discovery sparked a scientific revolution. When something is sparked, it's like the initial push that instigates a chain of events.
- Example: The accident sparked a series of investigations, similar to how a single incident might instigate a process of inquiry.
5. Fomented
- Explanation: "Fomented" means to stir up or incite (trouble or discontent). It's often used in a context where there's an intention to cause unrest or rebellion. For example, the revolutionary's ideas fomented unrest among the working class. This word emphasizes the idea of nurturing or promoting a negative or subversive state, similar to instigating a problem.
- Example: The pamphlets fomented discontent among the soldiers, much like an instigated mutiny.
6. Kindled
- Explanation: "Kindled" can mean to arouse or stir up (emotions, feelings, etc.). It also has the sense of starting a fire, metaphorically speaking, in terms of emotions or ideas. For example, her kind words kindled hope in his heart. In the context of actions and reactions, it's similar to instigating as it starts or stirs something.
- Example: The inspiring story kindled a desire for change, much like an instigated motivation for action.