Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

provocateur

Noun
/prəˈvɒkəˌtɜːr/
Definition
A person who deliberately incites others to engage in disruptive or provocative behavior.
Examples
  • The provocateur led the crowd in chants against the government’s policies.
  • Some activists accused him of being a provocateur meant to disrupt the peaceful demonstration.
  • In his role as a provocateur, he was successful at getting people to reconsider their views.
Meaning
The term refers to someone who provokes or stirs up action, often in a political or social context.
Synonyms
  • Instigator
  • Agitator
  • Incendiary
  • Firebrand
  • Stimulator