v.
Pronunciation: in- ' s ī t
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: in · cit · ed ; in · cit · ing
Etymology: Middle French inciter, from Latin incitare, from in- + citare to put in motion ― more at CITE
Date: 15th century
: to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on
– in · cit · ant \ - ' s ī -t ə nt \ noun
– in · cite · ment \ - ' s ī t-m ə nt \ noun
– in · cit · er noun
synonyms INCITE , INSTIGATE , ABET , FOMENT mean to spur to action. INCITE stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating < inciting a riot>. INSTIGATE definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention < instigated a conspiracy>. ABET implies both assisting and encouraging <aiding and abetting the enemy>. FOMENT implies persistence in goading < fomenting rebellion>.