'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 or urge,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.