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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. Incitingly; temptingly. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. instigatio: cf. F. instigation. ] The act of instigating, or the state of being instigated; incitement; esp. to evil or wickedness. [ 1913 Webster ]

The baseness and villainy that . . . the instigation of the devil could bring the sons of men to. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. arousing to action or rebellion.
Syn. -- incendiary, incitive, inflammatory, rabble-rousing, seditious. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ L.: cf. F. instigateur. ] One who instigates or incites. Burke.
Syn. -- inciter, instigant. [ 1913 Webster ]