Instigated

Instigated is the past tense of 'instigate', which means to incite or provoke an action, typically one that is undesirable or harmful. This term often suggests a level of encouragement or urging that leads to a specific event or behavior, usually involving conflict, unrest, or disruption.

Instigated meaning with examples

• The protest was instigated by a group of activists who sought to address social injustices in the community. Their passionate speeches rallied people together, inspiring them to take a stand and demand change, despite the risks involved in challenging the status quo.
• After several heated discussions, it became clear that some members of the team had instigated a rift between colleagues, causing division and unrest. Their actions undermined the collaborative atmosphere that was essential for the group's success.
• Rumors of foul play began to circulate, suggesting that someone had instigated the scandal to divert attention from their own misdeeds. The ensuing media frenzy only fueled public outrage and led to widespread calls for accountability from the involved parties.
• In a classic example of workplace sabotage, an employee instigated a series of petty complaints designed to undermine a colleague's credibility. The situation escalated, resulting in a tense environment that threatened to affect productivity and morale.