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Definition of incite

incite

/ɪnˈsaɪt/
in · cite
Adjective:incitive
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Past Simple:incited
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Past Participle:incited
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Present Participle:inciting
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incite Lexical Profile

incite Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To encourage, provoke, or stir up violent, unlawful, or tumultuous behavior.

Example

"The speaker was accused of trying to incite the crowd to rebel against local regulations."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for incite
Antonyms
View all antonyms for incite

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'incite' (a verb meaning to provoke or stir up action) with its homophone 'insight' (a noun meaning a deep understanding of a person or thing).

• Rhymes for incite

• Nearby Words

incisively
incisiveness
incisor
incite
incitement
inciter
incivility

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French 'inciter', from Latin 'incitare' ('to set in rapid motion, rouse, or stimulate'), formed from 'in-' ('into, towards') and 'citare' ('to summon or move').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Incite. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/incite
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