provocateur

Definition

One who engages in provocative behavior.

Etymology

Borrowed from French provocateur. Doublet of provocator.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: provoker (sometimes synonymous), agitator"
• "Gerard Mortier, an iconoclastic impresario and one of the opera world’s premier provocateurs, will become general manager and artistic director of the New York City Opera in 2009."
• "Cannes is smacking its lips in anticipation of filmmaker and provocateur Michael Moore's latest jeremiad against the US administration, which receives its premiere at the film festival today."