inciter

An inciter is a person who urges others to commit illegal or harmful acts. The term is used in legal and criminological contexts to describe someone who not only holds certain views but seeks to persuade or mobilize others to act on them. Liability for incitement typically rests on the act of encouragement, instruction, or solicitation, rather than on the execution of the offense itself. Whether criminal liability arises depends on jurisdiction and on whether the inciter had the intent to bring about the crime and successfully influenced others to do so.

Etymology: from Latin incitare “to excite, spur on,” via Old French inciter; in English since the 14th century.

In law, incitement to crime is a separate offense in many systems. Elements often include: intent to cause wrongdoing, communication of the incitement to the target or audience, and the occurrence or likelihood of the crime being committed as a result. Some jurisdictions distinguish incitement to violence, hate, or riot as separate offenses with specific penalties. Some common-law jurisdictions treat incitement as a form of inchoate liability, along with solicitation and conspiracy. In others, speech that merely expresses support or opinion may be protected, depending on context and threshold for influence.

In broader, non-legal usage, an inciter may refer to a provocateur, agitator, or influencer who stirs up emotions or controversy. The term can carry a negative connotation, especially when the incitement is linked to harm.

See also: incitement, instigation, provocateur, agitator, solicitation.