Incitement
Noun
Definition: The action of provoking unlawful behavior or urging someone to behave unlawfully.
Synonyms: Provocation, Instigation, Agitation
Antonyms: Discouragement, Prevention
Examples:
- The politician's speech was seen as incitement to violence.
- The pamphlet contained explicit incitement to commit acts of vandalism.
Mnemonics:
- Think of "incitement" as an action that ignites or stirs up unlawful behavior.
Etymology:
Origin:
Late Middle English from Old French 'incitement', from Latin 'incitamentum', from the verb 'incitare' (incite).
Historical Usage:The word has been in usage since the late Middle English period and has retained its meaning throughout history.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Incitement of unrest"
Explanation:Refers to stirring up or encouraging public disorder or turmoil.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Assuming that incitement is limited to instigation of violence only.
Explanation:While incitement can involve urging violence, it can also involve provoking any form of unlawful behavior.