provocateur
Noun: A person, often a secret agent or agitator, whose actions or words are deliberately intended to provoke a strong reaction, incite unrest, or entice others into committing illegal or compromising acts. The role often involves infiltrating a group to sow discord or instigate actions that can be used against the group.
The word "provocateur" is used to describe an individual who acts as an instigator, often covertly. It carries a negative connotation, implying manipulation and deceitful intent to create trouble or elicit a specific, often damaging, response.
- The police suspected the violent protest was started by an agent provocateur planted to justify a crackdown.
- He was not a genuine activist but a provocateur sent to incite the crowd to violence.
- Online forums are sometimes disrupted by provocateurs who post inflammatory comments to create arguments.
- Agent provocateur: This is a common and more specific collocation. It explicitly refers to a secret agent, especially one employed by a government or organization, who incites suspected persons to commit illegal acts so they can be discredited or arrested.
- The historical regime was known for using agents provocateurs to infiltrate dissident groups.
- Provocative (adjective): Tending to provoke, stimulate, or excite, often by causing anger or controversy. (e.g., a question, a speech).
- Provocation (noun): An action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately. (e.g., He reacted violently under ).
- Instigator
- Agitator
- Inciter
- Firebrand
- Rabble-rouser
While "provocateur" can sometimes be used broadly for anyone who provokes, its most precise and common usage implies a calculated, often secretive or professional, role in inciting trouble. It is distinct from someone who is merely argumentative; a provocateur has a strategic goal of eliciting a specific reaction.
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a secret agent who incites suspected persons to commit illegal acts
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