Word of the Day
October 22, 2024
Provocateurs
A provocateur is either (1) a person who intentionally encourages others to do something illegal, usually so they can be arrested, or (2) someone who deliberately causes arguments, discussions, or makes people feel angry, offended, or uncomfortable.
From French 'provocateur,' meaning one who provokes, derived from Latin 'provocare' (to call forth, challenge), from 'pro-' (forth) + 'vocare' (to call).
Usage Examples
- Climate activists who block highways act as provocateurs, hoping to draw attention through public disruption.
- The agent provocateur infiltrated the protest to incite violence and justify police intervention.
- Political provocateurs on social media thrive on outrage rather than reasoned debate.
From the Show
The term provocateurs framed the October 22nd discussion as Brad Beck’s essay title contrasts those who provoke with those who persuade through reasoned argument.