instigate
Set events moving
To instigate is to provoke or set something in motion, usually something troublesome: She instigated the fight, He was accused of instigating the riot.
The word carries a sense of deliberate stirring—an instigator doesn't just participate but gets things started.
Less commonly, instigate means simply to initiate: instigate reforms, instigate an investigation.
Incite a response
- fomentProvoke or stir up
- stirMix by circling
- inflameIntensify emotion or irritation
- rouseStir to wakefulness
agitate · goad · spur · whip · kindle · fuel · egg on · urge
To start something
set off · kick off · spark · originate · activate · inaugurate · introduce · pioneer
Storyline or land parcel
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- orchestrateArrange complex undertakings
- mastermindScheme's chief planner
- engineerTechnical design professional
contrive · hatch · devise · plan · collude · conspire · manipulate · machinate
provoke
Incite a response
rouse · agitate · goad · spur · whip · kindle · fuel · egg on · urge · excite
begin
To start something
trigger · set off · kick off · spark · originate · activate · inaugurate · introduce · pioneer · establish
plot
Storyline or land parcel
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- orchestrateArrange complex undertakings
- mastermindScheme's chief planner
engineer · contrive · hatch · devise · plan · collude · conspire · manipulate · machinate · connive
mischief
Playful troublesome behavior
turmoil · disruption · agitation · upheaval · chaos · riot · sedition · unrest · rebellion · mutiny
- troublemakingtroublemaker, troublemaking, agitator, stir, agitating
- precipitationrain, snow, hail, drizzle, sleet
- accomplishaccomplish, achieve, complete, do, finish
instigator, instigation, instigating, instigated, instigates, instigators, instigations