The difference between Instigate and Provoke

When used as verbs, instigate means to incite, whereas provoke means to cause someone to become annoyed or angry.


check bellow for the other definitions of Instigate and Provoke

  1. Instigate as a verb (transitive):

    to incite; to bring about by urging or encouraging

    Examples:

    "to instigate a riot"

  2. Instigate as a verb (transitive):

    to goad or urge (a person) forward, especially to wicked actions; to provoke

    Examples:

    "to instigate someone to a crime"

    "synonyms: animate encourage impeincite provoke spur stimulate tempt urge"

    "ant halt prevent stop"

  1. Provoke as a verb (transitive):

    To cause someone to become annoyed or angry.

    Examples:

    "Don't provoke the dog; it may try to bite you."

  2. Provoke as a verb (transitive):

    To bring about a reaction.

  3. Provoke as a verb (obsolete):

    To appeal.

    Examples:

    "rfquotek Dryden"