instigate

“You always hear, ‘Don’t poke the bear, don’t instigate them,’ but that’s not how you deal with a bully,” Soto-Martínez replied.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2026

"We are against all scenarios that aim to instigate a civil war in Iran, that target ethnic or religious fault lines," Fidan told journalists in Istanbul.

From Barron's ● Mar. 7, 2026

Meo co-owner Tannis Ling, who spent many weekends in Chinatown with her family as a child, has helped instigate Chinatown’s resurgence.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 27, 2025

"Racism is a systemic, cultural, societal issues that we all need to be involved in order to instigate change and empower change."

From BBC ● May 19, 2025

“Oh snap,” Freddy said, trying to instigate a throwdown.

From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore

He instigates them, and pedantically reminds her of the rules, but his surprise and irritation become conflagrations of rage as Fonsia wins hand after hand, remaining placid and mildly abashed at her luck.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

The gene proved very active in the habenula, a region of the cichlid’s brain that registers fear and instigates movement.

From Science Magazine ● Apr. 24, 2024

For any adaptive behaviour associated with consciousness, there could be a nonconscious mechanism that instigates the same behaviour.

From Scientific American ● Nov. 7, 2023

Wombat, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge; she instigates Marion’s return to Indy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2023

It seems to be in the nature of biologic information that it not only stores itself up as energy but also instigates a search for more.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

The incident, which Beijing said was instigated by Philippine personnel, sparked a round of condemnation from Manila's allies.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

Beijing said the Philippines instigated the incident by sending men in small rubber boats to approach their vessel.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

In some quarters this has instigated an unrealistic disappointment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026

In its first report since the ban was instigated in December, the regulator said it had identified "a number of poor practices" from the five platforms.

From BBC ● Mar. 30, 2026

“But Ms. Stanley, Tonesha instigated the whole thing,” Donna protests.

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi

Kaplan accused her of instigating the investigation, and began to strip her of managerial authority, the complaint says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026

Across the pond, the people most affected by the unrest, and its instigating events, are not having any of it.

From Slate ● Jun. 15, 2026

The two countries have blamed each other for instigating the fresh fighting, which has spread to nearly every province along their border.

From Barron's ● Dec. 25, 2025

Five members of the Board were suspended for instigating the letter.

From BBC ● Dec. 20, 2025

I was looking for other words for inciting and instigating work, and came upon “to egg on.”

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas