Agitator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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agitator

[หˆรฆdส’ษชหŒteษชtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

political

A person who tries to stir up public opinion, often in a disruptive or controversial manner.

Synonyms

instigator, provocateur, troublemaker.

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Word Description / Examples
agitator

Used to describe someone who is actively trying to provoke political or social change by stirring up peopleโ€™s emotions and passions. This term is often but not always neutral, depending on the context.

  • The community meeting was disrupted by an agitator who called for immediate action.
  • She has a reputation as an agitator who challenges the status quo.
troublemaker

A more general term for someone who causes problems or disturbances, often used to describe someone in a negative light.

  • The teacher sent the troublemaker to the principal's office for causing disruptions.
  • He is known as a troublemaker and often gets into fights.
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.

  • The provocateur spread false information to incite anger among the workers.
  • They identified the provocateur who was inciting violence at the protest.
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.

  • He was the instigator of the quarrel between the two teams.
  • The police searched for the instigator of the riot.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

appliance

A device or mechanism that shakes or stirs something.

Synonyms

mixer, shaker, stirrer.

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Word Description / Examples
agitator

Commonly used in industrial or mechanical settings to describe a device or component that stirs or mixes substances.

  • The washing machine's agitator helped to remove the stains from the clothes
mixer

Generally used to refer to a kitchen appliance that blends ingredients together, often in cooking and baking contexts.

  • She used a mixer to combine flour, sugar, and butter for the cake batter
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).

  • He expertly used the cocktail shaker to prepare a martini for his guest
stirrer

Often refers to a utensil used for stirring liquids or mixtures, usually in kitchen or laboratory settings.

  • She grabbed a stirrer to mix her coffee and sugar

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,664, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.