provocateur

Definitions

A person who provokes trouble, causes dissension, or incites others to commit illegal or rash acts.

Someone who deliberately behaves in a way that is intended to cause controversy or elicit a strong reaction.

Examples

The political activist was known as a master provocateur who thrived on disrupting the status quo.

By intentionally wearing such a controversial outfit, she acted as a provocateur at the formal gala.

Synonyms

agitator instigator inciter troublemaker firebrand rabble-rouser subversive

Antonyms

peacemaker pacifier mediator conciliator appeaser stabilizer diplomat