INSTIGATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does instigation mean? 

• INSTIGATION (noun)
  The noun INSTIGATION has 2 senses:

1. the verbal act of urging on

2. deliberate and intentional triggering (of trouble or discord)

  Familiarity information: INSTIGATION used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INSTIGATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The verbal act of urging on

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

abetment; abettal; instigation

Hypernyms ("instigation" is a kind of...):

encouragement (the expression of approval and support)

Derivation:

instigate (serve as the inciting cause of)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Deliberate and intentional triggering (of trouble or discord)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

fomentation; instigation

Hypernyms ("instigation" is a kind of...):

induction; initiation; trigger (an act that sets in motion some course of events)

Derivation:

instigate (serve as the inciting cause of)

instigate (provoke or stir up)

 Context examples 

Suddenly it struck me that this might be the moment and means of my doom; I was to be given to the wolves, and at my own instigation.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

They took their cheerful rides in the fine mornings of April and May; and Fanny either sat at home the whole day with one aunt, or walked beyond her strength at the instigation of the other: Lady Bertram holding exercise to be as unnecessary for everybody as it was unpleasant to herself; and Mrs. Norris, who was walking all day, thinking everybody ought to walk as much.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

They passed some months in great happiness at Dawlish; for she had many relations and old acquaintances to cut—and he drew several plans for magnificent cottages;—and from thence returning to town, procured the forgiveness of Mrs. Ferrars, by the simple expedient of asking it, which, at Lucy's instigation, was adopted.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)