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Tempt vs Instigate - What's the difference?

tempt | instigate | Synonyms |

Instigate is a synonym of tempt.



As verbs the difference between tempt and instigate

is that tempt is to provoke someone to do wrong, especially by promising a reward; to entice while instigate is to goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite.

tempt

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To provoke someone to do wrong, especially by promising a reward; to entice.
    • She tempted me to eat the apple.
  • To attract; to allure.
    • Its glossy skin tempted me.
  • To provoke something; to court.
    • It would be tempting fate.

    Derived terms

    * temptation * tempter * temptress * tempt fate * tempt providence

    External links

    * * *

    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

    * * ----