incitation

Incitation is the act of urging or prompting someone to take a particular action. In English, the noun is relatively uncommon; the more widely used term for the same concept is incitement, and the related verb is incite. The word derives from the Latin incitāre “to urge on” and entered English through Old French or Middle French forms such as incitation.

In legal contexts, incitation to commit an illegal act refers to actively encouraging another person to break the law. The precise requirements—intent, knowledge of wrongdoing, and causation—vary by jurisdiction, but most systems require a deliberate act of urging and a clear link to the contemplated crime. Merely expressing opinions or advocating a course of action does not always amount to incitement.

Outside law, incitation may describe any stimulus that provokes a response, such as political rhetoric that incites violence. It is distinct from related terms: inducement (offering a reward or motive), instigation (starting a plan or process), and encouragement (positive support). In practice, incitation emphasizes the urging itself rather than the outcome.