provoker
/provoker/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A person who deliberately causes trouble or incites conflict: A provoker intentionally says or does things to anger others or create disagreement. 2. A person who stimulates a reaction or action: In a broader sense, a provoker is someone or something that causes a strong response, such as thought, emotion, or debate.
Usage
The word "provoker" is used to identify a person who is the source or cause of agitation, argument, or disturbance. It carries a negative connotation, implying deliberate intent to upset or challenge.
Examples
- He was known as the main provoker of the heated office debates.
- The article's author was accused of being a provoker of social unrest.
- She ignored the provoker and refused to be drawn into an argument.
Advanced Usage
- "Agent provocateur": This is a specific, advanced term borrowed from French for a person employed to secretly incite others to commit illegal acts so they can be caught and prosecuted. While related, it is a distinct compound term.
- The police suspected the new activist was an agent provocateur.
Variants and Related Words
- Provoke (verb): To cause a reaction, especially a negative one; to stir up deliberately.
- His comments were meant to provoke a response.
- Provocation (noun): An action or speech that makes someone angry, especially deliberately.
- The attack was an act of provocation.
- Provocative (adjective): Causing anger, outrage, or strong reaction; intended to stimulate discussion or thought.
- She wrote a provocative essay on modern politics.
Synonyms
- Instigator: A person who brings about or initiates something, typically something negative.
- Agitator: A person who urges others to protest or rebel.
- Incitement (as a role, though more commonly a noun for the action): The act of encouraging unlawful or violent behavior.
Related Phrases
- To act as a provoker: To take on the role of causing trouble.
- He seemed to enjoy acting as a provoker during family gatherings.
Noun
- someone who deliberately foments trouble
- she was the instigator of their quarrel