INCITE

[in.cite] vt in.cit.ed ; in.cit.ing [MF inciter, fr. L incitare, fr. in- + citare to put in motion--more at cite] (15c): to move to action: stir up: spur on: urge on -- in.cit.ant n -- in.cite.ment n -- in.cit.er n syn 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".