Basic Details
Word: Instigate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To cause something to happen, often something bad or unwanted.
Synonyms: Incite, provoke, stir up
Antonyms: Halt, stop, suppress
Idioms and Phrases
- Instigate trouble: To cause problems or conflicts. Example: "He always seems to instigate trouble whenever he visits the playground."
- Instigate a riot: To cause a large, public disturbance. Example: "The speech was said to instigate a riot among the audience."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher warned the students not to instigate arguments during the group project.
Example 2: He decided to avoid friends who tended to instigate risky behaviour.
Example 3: A few individuals tried to instigate a peaceful discussion, but tensions were already high.
Fun Fact
The word "instigate" comes from the Latin root "instigare," which means "to incite" or "to urge on." It has been in use in English since the late 1500s.
Famous Quote
"It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable." - Jean-Baptiste Say. This highlights how failing to stop wrongdoing can also instigate harm.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "instigate" mean?
a) To encourage harmony
b) To cause something to happen
c) To forget about something
d) To create a plan
Answer: b) To cause something to happen
2. Which of these is a synonym of "instigate"?
a) Halt
b) Raise
c) Provoke
d) Agree
Answer: c) Provoke
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "instigate"?
a) Start
b) Clap
c) Stop
d) Sing
Answer: c) Stop
4. Which sentence uses "instigate" correctly?
a) She wanted to instigate a race with her friends.
b) The movie can instigate laughter.
c) He tried to instigate peace between the two teams.
d) They decided to instigate a new recipe.
Answer: c) He tried to instigate peace between the two teams.
5. Which idiom relates to "instigate"?
a) Instigate trouble
b) As clear as mud
c) Over the moon
d) Beat around the bush
Answer: a) Instigate trouble
