In″sti‐gate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Instigated (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Instigating (?).] [L. instigatus, p. p. of instigare to instigate; pref. in- in + a root akin to G. stechen to prick, E. stick. See Stick.] To goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite; — used chiefly with reference to evil actions; as, to instigate one to a crime.
He hath only instigated his blackest agents to the very extent of their malignity. Bp. Warburton.
Syn. — To stimulate; urge; spur; provoke; tempt; incite; impel; encourage; animate.