Instigate

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite; -- used chiefly with reference to evil actions; as to instigate one to a crime. He hath only instigated his blackest agents to the very extent of their malignity. Bp. Warburton.

Synonyms: stimulate; urge; spur; provoke; tempt; incite; impel; encourage; animate.