Main Entry:: in·cite
Pronunciation:: \in-ˈsīt\
Function:: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s):: 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

\-ˈsī-t^ənt\ noun

— in·cite·ment

\-ˈsīt-mənt\ 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>.

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