provocateur
|pro-voc-a-teur|
C1
🇺🇸
/prəˌvɑːkəˈtɜːr/
🇬🇧
/prəˌvɒkəˈtɜː/
troublemaker
Etymology
Etymology Information
'provocateur' originates from French, specifically the word 'provocateur', where 'provoquer' meant 'to provoke'.
Historical Evolution
'provocateur' was borrowed directly from French into English, maintaining its original form and meaning.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'one who provokes', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who provokes trouble, causes dissension, or the like; an agitator.
The provocateur was responsible for inciting the crowd to protest.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/28 12:36