incite

IPA/ɪnˈsaɪt/
KK[ˌɪnsˈaɪt]IPA/ɪnˈsaɪt/

incite — verb

  • incitepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • inciteshe / she / it
  • incitedpast simple
  • inciting-ing form

1. to push someone towards doing or feeling something harmful or violent — often by

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to push someone towards doing or feeling something harmful or violent — often by stirring up anger or strong emotions

例句

Noa was charged after inciting the protestors to riot outside the parliament building.

incite + someone + to + noun for unlawful action

Michael's pamphlet incited fierce hatred against the new refugee community in town.

incite + hatred (emotion noun as direct object)

同義詞
  • provoke

    stronger and more direct; often implies an immediate personal reaction

  • instigate

    more formal, often used in legal or political contexts

  • stir up

    more informal; commonly used for emotions or unrest

  • foment

    formal; typically used for rebellion or large-scale discontent

反義詞
  • deter

    to discourage someone from acting through fear of consequences

  • suppress

    to forcibly stop an action or feeling

文法句型

incite + someone + to + noun

incite + someone + to-infinitive

incite + noun (violence, hatred, riot)

用法筆記

Object is typically something negative (violence, hatred, a riot, unrest). Distinguish from sense 2, which can take positive or neutral objects.

常見錯誤

❌The coach incited the team to win the match.
✅The coach inspired the team to win the match.
💡'incite' in this sense always points to something harmful or destructive; use 'encourage' or 'inspire' for positive situations.

2. to push or spur someone into taking action, especially when they need a reason o

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to push or spur someone into taking action, especially when they need a reason or a nudge to begin

例句

Reema's speech incited the students to campaign for cleaner rivers in their city.

incite + someone + to-infinitive for a positive cause

The documentary incited Vinícius to volunteer at the local animal shelter every weekend.

incite + someone + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • motivate

    has a positive connotation; focuses on internal drive rather than external push

  • spur

    suggests a sudden or sharp push into action

  • prompt

    neutral and less forceful; often implies a timely nudge

  • galvanize

    dramatic; typically used when a group is stirred into collective action

反義詞
  • discourage

    to make someone less likely to act

  • dissuade

    to persuade someone not to take action

文法句型

incite + someone + to-infinitive

incite + someone + to + noun

用法筆記

The neutral sense — can take a positive, negative, or neutral object. Frequently followed by to-infinitive. Less common than sense 1.