incite

USAGE SUMMARY

Incite is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone trying to provoke or inspire people to do something, usually something bad or unlawful. For example, “The radical leader sought to incite his followers to commit acts of violence.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ofcom, Javid's letter said, already has strict rules to ensure that material that is likely to "incite hatred" is not broadcast on radio, television or in on-demand programmes.

The Guardian

He added: "During the most important period of time in al-Qaida's savage history, Suleiman Abu Ghaith was Osama bin Laden's principal messenger … He used his fiery oratory to incite al-Qaida's growing army of terror in this war with America".

The Guardian

To move forward, we need to distinguish more clearly between people saying things with which we disagree, and those who make threats or advocate and incite violence.

The Guardian - Opinion

It singles out for criticism calls from European ministers for internet service providers to "identify and remove online content 'that aims to incite hatred and terror'" and suggestions in the UK that security services should have the ability to monitor all encrypted communication.

The Guardian

Following the attack on Charlie Hebdo, 11 interior ministers from European Union countries, including France, Britain and Germany, issued a statement in which they called on internet service providers to identify and remove online content "that aims to incite hatred and terror".

The Guardian

Section three of the regulator's broadcasting code says TV and radio services must not include material "likely to encourage or incite … crime or to lead to disorder".

The Guardian

We haven't had the courtesy of an explanation and if he has done it to incite the fans – and it's hard not to think that – I hardly want to think about it.

The Guardian - Sport

It said the documentary was produced contrary to the spirit of "due diligence, particularly when dealing with subjects that are likely to incite hatred and violence".

The Guardian

It's an intriguing and exhilarating film, which like Birdman uses the jittery, hyperactive quality of a drum solo to incite nervous excitement.

The Guardian - Film

"They were obviously trying to incite".

The Guardian

Ms Braun tried and failed to incite class warfare.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incite", ensure you clearly specify who is being incited and to what action, for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "incite" too broadly. It typically implies a direct and intentional effort to provoke a specific, often negative, action. Instead, consider alternatives like "encourage" or "motivate" if the intent is less specific or negative.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "incite" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what or whom is being stirred up or provoked. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its use in contexts involving stirring up emotions or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As Ludwig AI confirms, the verb "incite" is grammatically correct and very commonly used to describe the act of provoking or urging others to action, often with negative or unlawful implications. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, and while it can be used across different registers, it's crucial to use it with precision, specifying who or what is being incited and the intended action. When a less specific or negative intent is present, consider using alternatives like "encourage" or "motivate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stir up

Focuses on generating excitement or trouble, often implying a more emotional response than "incite".

provoke

Emphasizes causing a reaction, which might be negative or aggressive, differing from "incite" which implies a call to action.

instigate

Implies initiating or setting in motion a process or event, somewhat more formal than "incite".

foment

Suggests nurturing or developing something negative, like discord or rebellion, which is a specific type of "incite".

spur

Highlights the act of encouraging quick action, adding a sense of urgency not always present in "incite".

goad

Stresses persistent encouragement, often with a teasing or irritating quality, distinguishing it from the general encouragement of "incite".

abet

Focuses on assisting or supporting someone in committing a crime, a more direct involvement than simply "incite".

rouse

Implies awakening or awakening action or emotion, which may or may not be aggressive, unlike "incite" which is aggressive.

egg on

Suggests urging someone to do something foolish or risky, adding an element of recklessness not inherent in "incite".

prompt

Highlights causing someone to take action, often in a gentle way, offering a less aggressive alternative to "incite".

FAQs

How can I use "incite" in a sentence?

Use "incite" to describe someone provoking or urging others to act, often in a negative or unlawful way. For instance, "The speech was intended to "incite violence"" or "He tried to "incite rebellion" among the workers".

What are some synonyms for "incite"?

Alternatives to "incite" include "stir up", "provoke", "instigate", "foment", or "spur", each carrying slightly different nuances of encouragement or provocation.

Is there a legal implication of using the word "incite"?

Yes, "incite" often carries legal implications, especially when referring to actions that "incite unlawful acts". Legal definitions often distinguish between merely advocating for something and directly inciting others to commit illegal actions.

What is the difference between "incite" and "encourage"?

"Incite" typically suggests provoking a negative or controversial action, while "encourage" implies giving support or confidence. While both involve influencing behavior, "inciting violence" is far different from "encouraging participation".