instigate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɪnstɪgeɪt/

verb

[with object]
  • bring about or initiate (an action or event): they instigated a reign of terror I will be instigating legal proceedings
  • (instigate someone to/to do something) incite someone to do something, especially something bad: instigating men to refuse allegiance to the civil powers

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'urge on'): from Latin instigat- 'urged, incited', from the verb instigare, from in- 'towards' + stigare 'prick, incite'