from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Instigate \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.
[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]