Etymology Map
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Incite

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to encourage violent behaviour

Where does the word "incite" come from? It comes from Latin incitare, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
incitare
Latin · ancient
"to urge on"
'in-' plus 'citare', to set in motion
2
Stage 2 of 2
incite
English · 1400s
"to urge on"
'incitement' dates from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Incite’s story begins in Latin: incitare meant “to urge on.” 'in-' plus 'citare', to set in motion. It reached English by 1400s as incite. 'incitement' dates from the 1500s. Today, incite means to encourage violent behaviour.