instigation
C1/C2Formal, academic, legal, journalistic.
Definition
Meaning
the act of deliberately causing something to happen, especially something bad, by persuading or encouraging others to do it.
The initiation or start of a process or action, often implying an underlying cause or prompting force. It can also refer to the specific instance or event of such prompting.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly implies agency and intention behind the action. Often carries negative connotations (e.g., instigating a riot, crime), but can be neutral in formal contexts (e.g., instigating an inquiry). It focuses on the act of prompting the beginning of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The noun 'instigation' and verb 'instigate' are used identically.
Connotations
Consistently formal in both varieties, with the same potential for negative association.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, primarily in written formal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] at the instigation of [NP]the instigation of [NP]under [possessive] instigationupon instigation by [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At someone's instigation (formal phrase)”
- “Be the instigation behind something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Formal, e.g., 'The internal review was launched at the board's instigation.'
Academic
Common in political science, history, and law, e.g., 'Analysing the instigation of the conflict.'
Everyday
Rare; would sound overly formal. Simpler words like 'suggestion' or 'idea' are used.
Technical
Used in legal contexts, e.g., 'charged with the instigation of a criminal act.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The union leader was accused of instigating the unofficial strike action.
- The article instigated a national debate on press ethics.
American English
- The report instigated a major overhaul of company policy.
- He was charged with instigating the riot.
adverb
British English
- The policy was changed instigatingly, following the scandal. (Very rare/formal)
- He acted instigatingly, hoping others would follow. (Very rare/formal)
American English
- She spoke instigatingly, urging the crowd to action. (Very rare/formal)
- The memo was written instigatingly to provoke discussion. (Very rare/formal)
adjective
British English
- As the instigating force, he bore ultimate responsibility.
- The instigating incident was captured on CCTV.
American English
- She was the instigating factor behind the new legislation.
- Identifying the instigating cause of the failure is crucial.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The fight started at his instigation.
- The change happened on the manager's instigation.
- The investigation began at the direct instigation of the minister.
- He denied any involvement in the instigation of the protests.
- The entire reform process can be traced back to the instigation of a few key academics.
- Legal liability often depends on proving active instigation rather than mere presence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an 'INSTIGATOR' as someone who sticks a 'GATOR' (alligator) in a situation to start a commotion. INSTIGATION is what they do.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAUSATION IS PUSHING/SPARKING (e.g., 'He sparked the riot'; 'She was the push behind the change').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'стимуляция' (stimulation) which is broader and more neutral.
- Closer to 'подстрекательство' (for negative actions) or 'инициатива' (for formal, neutral initiation).
- Avoid using 'инстаграция' – a false cognate.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in casual contexts where 'suggestion' or 'idea' is better.
- Misspelling as 'instegation' or 'instagation'.
- Confusing with 'investigation' (a common spelling/pronunciation slip).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'instigation' used most naturally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it often is. In formal, neutral contexts (like law or academia), it can simply mean 'the act of causing something to begin', e.g., 'the instigation of proceedings'.
Both mean 'the start of something'. 'Instigation' strongly implies an active, deliberate agent who prompts or causes the start, often from the outside. 'Initiation' can be more internal and procedural (e.g., the initiation of a new member). 'Instigation' is also more formal.
No, 'instigation' is only a noun. The related verb is 'to instigate'.
Yes, in formal writing, it's the most common collocation for this noun.
Explore