'incite' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incitare,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'citare' meant 'to set in motion.'

'incitare' transformed into the Old French word 'enciter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'incite' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to set in motion,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to provoke or urge someone to act.'