Instigate /(?)/

In·sti·gate

Instigate

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Instigated; p. pr. & vb. n. Instigating

  1. To goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite; -- used chiefly with reference to evil actions; as, to instigate one to a crime.
    He hath only instigated his blackest agents to the very extent of their malignity.
    — Bp. Warburton.