唆使 is a formal, slightly negative verb meaning 'to incite' or 'to instigate'—typically urging someone to do something wrong, harmful, or unlawful. The first character 唆 (suō) originally evokes the sound of coaxing or urging (like a dog being called), and carries connotations of subtle, persistent prompting; the second character 使 (shǐ) means 'to cause' or 'to make (someone do something)'. Together, they form a compound emphasizing deliberate, often underhanded influence over another person’s actions.

This word is commonly used in legal, journalistic, or moral contexts—for example, describing someone persuading a minor to commit theft, or a leader provoking unrest. It implies intentionality and responsibility on the part of the instigator, and often appears with agents (e.g., 'by X') or in passive constructions. While neutral in structure, 唆使 almost always carries a critical or condemnatory tone.