in·sti·gate 
/ˈɪnstəˌgeɪt/ verb
in·sti·gates; in·sti·gat·ed; in·sti·gat·ing /ˈɪnstəˌgeɪt/ verb [+ obj] : to cause (something) to happen or begin
▪ There has been an increase in the amount of violence instigated by gangs. ▪ She blamed him for instigating [=starting] the argument. ▪ The government has instigated an investigation into the cause of the accident.
▪ There has been an increase in the amount of violence instigated by gangs. ▪ She blamed him for instigating [=starting] the argument. ▪ The government has instigated an investigation into the cause of the accident.
— in·sti·ga·tor /ˈɪnstəˌgeɪtɚ/ noun, plural in·sti·ga·tors [count]
▪ the instigators of the violence
/ˈɪnstəˌgeɪtɚ/ noun, plural in·sti·ga·tors [count] ▪ the instigators of the violence
