incite
UK: ɪnˈsaɪt | US: ɪnˈsaɪt
vt. to encourage or stir up violent or unlawful behavior
vt. to provoke or urge someone to act in a strong or emotional way
The word "incite" comes from Latin incitare, combining in- (meaning "into" or "towards") and citare (meaning "to rouse" or "to call"). The root citare is also the source of words like "cite" and "excite." Over time, "incite" evolved in English to specifically imply provoking action, often with a negative or forceful connotation. The morphemes preserve the original Latin structure while adapting to modern usage.
His speech was accused of inciting violence among the crowd.
The controversial article incited a heated debate online.
She didn’t mean to incite anger with her comments.
The protest was incited by unfair policies.
Rumors can incite panic if left unchecked.