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incite

verb

/ɪnˈsʌɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of incite

To encourage or instigate someone to do something, especially something that is harmful or illegal.
"His reckless words could easily incite panic in the crowd."

Detailed meaning of incite

The term can also be used to describe something that has the effect of causing such an action. Incitement can be verbal or nonverbal, it can be direct or indirect. The term is often used in the context of inciting violence, riots, or rebellion, but it can also be used more generally to describe any action or behavior that is intended to provoke or encourage a particular response or reaction. For example, a political speech that incites violence would be one that uses language or rhetoric that is intended to provoke or encourage violent behavior among the audience. Similarly, a person who incites someone else to break the law is encouraging them to commit a criminal act. In all cases, the term implies that the action or behavior is intended to provoke a particular response or reaction, and that it is likely to have a negative or harmful outcome.

Example sentences containing incite

1. The leader's speech was designed to incite a revolution amongst the citizens.
2. The controversial blog post could incite anger among its readers.
3. Teachers should not incite hostility among the students.
4. The novelist hoped his new book would incite conversations about social justice.
5. His aim was to incite enthusiasm among the team members for the new project.
6. The debate was a careful ploy to incite public interest in the political campaign.

History and etymology of incite

The verb 'incite' has its origins in Latin. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'incitare,' which means 'to stimulate' or 'to urge forward.' This term is a combination of 'in,' meaning 'into,' and 'citare,' meaning 'to set in motion' or 'to summon.' Therefore, etymologically, 'incite' can be understood as 'to set into motion' or 'to summon forward.' In its modern usage, it means to encourage or instigate someone to do something, especially something that is harmful or illegal. The word's etymology underscores the idea of actively provoking or spurring someone into action, often with the implication of encouraging behavior that may lead to negative consequences.

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Further usage examples of incite

1. Protesters used powerful chants to incite change in their community.
2. The rumors circulating online can sometimes incite unnecessary fear.
3. His actions were deliberately intended to incite chaos in the organization.
4. The celebrity used her influence to incite support for the charity.
5. Any form of hate speech can incite discrimination and violence.
6. The director hoped that the movie would incite discussions about mental health.
7. The politician's inflammatory remarks could incite a dangerous riot.
8. The new ad campaign was designed to incite consumer interest in the product.
9. The photo exhibition aims to incite compassion towards refugees.
10. The comment was meant to incite laughter, but it fell flat.
11. The antagonistic media coverage has the potential to incite division among the public.
12. His inflammatory speech could incite unrest among the protesters.
13. The provocative article aimed to incite debate on a contentious issue.
14. The charismatic leader used his words to incite his followers to action.
15. Social media can inadvertently incite conflicts through misinformation.
16. It is crucial to avoid rhetoric that can incite violence or hatred.
17. The controversial film sought to incite discussion about societal norms.
18. Some believe that violent video games can incite aggressive behavior in children.
19. The agitator's fiery speech had the power to incite a rebellion.
20. Responsible journalism should inform, not incite panic or fear.
21. Political leaders must be cautious not to incite division among citizens.
22. The provocative artwork was intended to incite reflection and controversy.
23. Online trolls often seek to incite anger and frustration in their targets.
24. Inciting criminal acts can result in serious legal consequences.