instigates
Sets things off
Instigates means to provoke, stir up, or set in motion, typically something troublesome or contentious.
Someone who instigates a fight or argument is the one who gets it started, often deliberately.
She instigates drama wherever she goes.
The word carries a negative connotation—you instigate conflicts, rebellions, or schemes, rarely anything positive.
An instigator is the person responsible for getting something undesirable underway.
Incites a reaction
- sparksFiery particles from friction
- triggersCauses or activates
- stirs upIncites or agitates
- fomentsActively promotes unrest
inflames · antagonizes · goads · prods · needles · baits · riles · aggravates
Starts or new members
- catalyzesHastens a reaction
- startsInitiates an action
- launchesSends off forcefully
- kickstartsBegins with sudden energy
sets off · activates · mobilizes · galvanizes · spurs · prompts · motivates · drives
Inflames popular discontent
- stirsBlends by circling
- whips upCreates hastily
- inflamesArouses intense emotion
- radicalizesMakes someone adopt extremism
emboldens · empower · recruits · indoctrinates · propaganda · uprising · revolt · rebellion
provokes
Incites a reaction
foments · inflames · antagonizes · goads · prods · needles · baits · riles · aggravates · escalates
initiates
Starts or new members
kickstarts · sets off · activates · mobilizes · galvanizes · spurs · prompts · motivates · drives · compels
rabble-rouses
Inflames popular discontent
radicalizes · emboldens · empower · recruits · indoctrinates · propaganda · uprising · revolt · rebellion · dissent
orchestrates
Directs complex coordination
- mastermindsPlans and directs schemes
- plotsSecret plans or storylines
- conspiresPlans wrongdoing with others
manipulates · engineers · contrives · devises · concocts · hatches · plans · schemes · maneuvers · arranges
instigatesends
Termini or concludes
terminates · finishes · concludes · halts · stops
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