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instigate

verb [T]
 
 
/ˈɪn.stɪ.ɡeɪt/ formal

Definition

to cause an event or situation to happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin: The government will instigate new measures to combat terrorism. The revolt in the north is believed to have been instigated by a high-ranking general.Causing things to happen instigation
 
 
/ˌɪn.stɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ noun [U]
The inquiry was begun at the instigation of a local MP.Causing things to happen
(Definition of instigate verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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