Agitator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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agitator
[หรฆdสษชหteษชtษr ]
Definitions
political
A person who tries to stir up public opinion, often in a disruptive or controversial manner.
Synonyms
instigator, provocateur, troublemaker.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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agitator |
Used to describe someone who is actively trying to provoke political or social change by stirring up peopleโs emotions and passions. This term is often but not always neutral, depending on the context.
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troublemaker |
A more general term for someone who causes problems or disturbances, often used to describe someone in a negative light.
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provocateur |
Typically describes someone who deliberately causes trouble or stimulates strong reactions, often in a deceptive or underhanded way. This term has a negative connotation.
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instigator |
Refers to someone who persuades others to take part in something, often seen as the person who starts trouble or conflict. It can have a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The agitator was arrested for inciting violence during the protest.
- The political agitator was known for his fiery speeches.
- The agitator was accused of spreading false information to manipulate public opinion.
appliance
A device or mechanism that shakes or stirs something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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agitator |
Commonly used in industrial or mechanical settings to describe a device or component that stirs or mixes substances.
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mixer |
Generally used to refer to a kitchen appliance that blends ingredients together, often in cooking and baking contexts.
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shaker |
Typically used to describe a container used for mixing drinks, particularly in bartending. It can also refer to containers for seasoning (like salt and pepper).
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stirrer |
Often refers to a utensil used for stirring liquids or mixtures, usually in kitchen or laboratory settings.
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Examples of usage
- The washing machine agitator helps to clean the clothes by moving them around in the water.
- The agitator in the mixer blends the ingredients together effectively.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Latin word 'agitare,' which means to shake or stir.
- In the 19th century, certain political activists were called agitators for their efforts to promote social reform and workers' rights.
- The term has evolved to include various forms of activism, such as labor movements and civil rights campaigns.
Literature
- Agitator characters often appear in novels, representing voices of change or rebellion, showcasing societal struggles.
- Famous literature that includes agitators often explores themes of injustice, highlighting how individuals can disrupt the status quo.
Psychology
- Agitators often use emotional appeals to inspire feelings of urgency and action in others.
- Understanding how agitation impacts group dynamics is vital in both social movements and organizational behavior.
Pop Culture
- Many public figures, from musicians to activists, embrace the role of an agitator using their platform to advocate for social issues.
- Films and documentaries often portray historical agitators, emphasizing their influence on major societal changes.
Science
- In physics, 'agitation' refers to stirring or mixing substances, not dissimilar to how social agitators stir up ideas and movements.
- The concept of agitation is crucial in chemical processes, paralleling how social changes can lead to reactions in communities.
Origin of 'agitator'
The word 'agitator' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Latin word 'agitator', meaning 'a person who drives cattle'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to someone who stirs up public opinion or causes unrest. The term has been used in both political and mechanical contexts, reflecting its dual nature as a troublemaker and a device that stirs or shakes.
See also: agitate, agitated, agitatedly, agitating, agitation.