To instigate something is to start the activity or the conflict. When the police instigated the fight, they were the ones who started the fight.
He was instigated by his friends to start the fight.
She was instigated by her best friend to start the fight.
verb
To incite; to bring about by urging or encouraging
verb
To goad or urge (a person) forward, especially to wicked actions; to provoke
Synonyms:
1
It was done at president's instigation.
2
I was the victim and not the instigator.
3
He is the one that is the instigator.
4
This change was at the instigation of the brothers.
5
Allen was ruled the instigator of the riot.
6
That was your official instigation in the cabal.
7
He is usually the instigator of the group.
8
Hugo is usually the instigator of the group.
9
Did he instigate in the service of it
10
Field was the instigator in 2001 of the reunion.