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Instigate vs Propel - What's the difference?

instigate | propel | Related terms |

Instigate is a related term of propel.


As verbs the difference between instigate and propel

is that instigate is to goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite while propel is to cause to move in a certain direction.

instigate

English

(Webster 1913)

Verb

(instigat)
  • To goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite.
    • He hath only instigated his blackest agents to the very extent of their malignity. -Bp. Warburton.

    Usage notes

    Commonly used with reference to evil actions; as, to instigate one to a crime.

    Synonyms

    * (to goad or urge forward): animate, encourage, impel, incite, provoke, spur, stimulate, tempt, urge

    Antonyms

    * (to goad or urge forward): halt, prevent, stop

    Derived terms

    * instigation * instigator

    External links

    * * ----

    propel

    English

    Verb

  • To cause to move in a certain direction.
  • * 1918 , (Edgar Rice Burroughs), Chapter V
    • When it had advanced from the wood, it hopped much after the fashion of a kangaroo, using its hind feet and tail to propel it, and when it stood erect, it sat upon its tail.
  • To make to arrive to a certain situation or result.
  • * 2005 , .
    • I can discern your nature and see that even without any arguments (logoi) from me it will propel you to what you say you are drawn towards,

    Synonyms

    * (either) drive, push

    Antonyms

    * (either) stay, halt, stop * (cause to move) rest

    Anagrams

    * ----