Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - incite

 transitive verb  (~d; inciting)  Etymology: Middle French ~r, from Latin incitare, from in- + citare to put in motion — more at cite  Date: 15th century to move to action ; stir up ; spur on ; urge on  • incitant noun  • ~ment noun  • ~r noun Synonyms:  ~, instigate, abet, foment mean to spur to action. ~ stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating inciting a riot. instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention instigated a conspiracy. abet implies both assisting and encouraging aiding and abetting the enemy. foment implies persistence in goading fomenting rebellion.