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Gene93 Posted 10 years ago
Vocabulary

incite/instigate something

Hello,
Can both verbs be used in: "There's been increase in the amount of violence incited/instigated by gangs"? As far as I know "instigate" is a quite neutral verb, whereas "incite" conveys the meaning of starting something violent (causing something violent to start). I think that incite can't be used in more neutral contexts, but I wonder if "instigate" can be used in the sentence above.

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Both "incite" and "instigate" indicate a somewhat indirect involvement. The problem with that sentence is that gangs typically have a more direct involvement with violence in such a context. , There's been an increase in the amount of gang violence recently.

— Teechr

  • Both "incite" and "instigate" indicate a somewhat indirect involvement.
  • The problem with that sentence is that gangs typically have a more direct involvement with violence in such a context.
  • , There's been an increase in the amount of gang violence recently.
  • or There's been an increase in the amount of violence incited by hate speech.
  • [incited by = spurred on by] or There's been an increase in the amount of violence instigated by vigilante groups.
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1 Answers
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Both "incite" and "instigate" indicate a somewhat indirect involvement. The problem with that sentence is that gangs typically have a more direct involvement with violence in such a context. Thus, try e.g.,

There's been an increase in the amount of gang violence recently.
or
There's been an increase in the amount of violence incited by hate speech. [inc
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