Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

provocateur

noun
/prəˌvɒkəˈtɜːr/
Definition
A person who provokes or incites others, often in a political context.
Examples
  • During the protest, the activist acted as a provocateur, challenging the police at every turn.
  • The political provocateur sparked debates across the nation with his controversial statements.
Meaning
The term typically refers to someone who deliberately stirs up trouble or controversy, particularly to spur action or a reaction from a group or society.
Synonyms
  • Instigator
  • Agitator
  • Inciter
  • Manipulator
  • Fomenter