Agitator: meaning, definitions and examples

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agitator

[ˈædʒɪˌteɪtər ]

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
agitator	Used to describe someone who is actively trying to provoke political or social change by stirring up people’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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "agitator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agitador

🇮🇳 उकसाने वाला

🇩🇪 Agitator

🇮🇩 agitator

🇺🇦 агітатор

🇵🇱 agitator

🇯🇵 扇動者

🇫🇷 agitateur

🇪🇸 agitador

🇹🇷 ajitatör

🇰🇷 선동자

🇸🇦 محرض

🇨🇿 agitátor

🇸🇰 agitátor

🇨🇳 煽动者

🇸🇮 agitator

🇮🇸 æsingamaður

🇰🇿 үгіттеуші

🇬🇪 აგიტატორი

🇦🇿 aqitator

🇲🇽 agitador

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.

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20661 enlivened
20662 canker
20663 matchless
20664 agitator
20665 encumbrance
20666 sharpest
20667 denture
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