incite
in-SYT
/ɪnˈsaɪt/
To encourage or stir up violent or unlawful behavior.
Incite is almost always negative and often carries legal weight, specifically referring to moving a crowd or group toward a specific action.
The story behind the word. Coming from the Latin 'in-' (into) and 'citare' (to move or call), 'incite' shares a root with 'excite'. While 'excite' can be positive (moving someone to joy), 'incite' has historically been reserved for moving someone toward a darker, more turbulent path.
Word relationships
- foment: Foment implies a long, slow process of stirring up trouble, while incite suggests a more immediate call to action.
- quell: Quell means to put an end to a rebellion or disorder, usually by force.
Commonly confused with
- insight: Insight is a noun meaning deep understanding; incite is a verb meaning to stir up trouble. They are homophones.
Word family
- incitement (noun): The action of provoking unlawful behavior or an urge to do so.
Collocations
- incite violence
- incite a riot
- incite hatred
- incite rebellion
Example sentences
- "The court ruled that the speaker did not intend to incite immediate lawless action." A legal discussion on the limits of free speech.
- "The conspirators used pamphlets to incite the citizenry to revolt against the monarchy." Historical account of a rebellion.
Memory hook
Incite sounds like 'Inside' + 'Ignite'. You are igniting a fire inside a crowd. Incite = Ignite a riot.
When not to use
Don't use 'incite' for minor personal annoyances; it's too heavy. You don't 'incite' your brother to eat your cookie; you 'goad' him.
Fun facts
- In many jurisdictions, 'incitement' is an inchoate crime, meaning the crime is complete even if the violence never actually happens.
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