in·sti·gate /ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/ verb [transitiveT] 1 PGSTART something/MAKE something STARTto make a process start, especially one relating to law or politics 开始,发起〔尤指与法律或政治有关的事〕 Charles instigated a programme of reforms. 查尔斯发起改革计划。
2 CAUSEto persuade someone to do something bad or violent 唆使,煽动 He accused union leaders of instigating the disturbances. 他指责工会领导人煽动骚乱。
—instigator noun [countableC]