# instigator

/ˈɪnstəˌɡeɪtɝ/ (US) · /ˈɪnstɪɡˌeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/instigator
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

a person who starts something, especially trouble or a fight, and gets other people to join in.

For teachers: a person who initiates an action or event, especially one that causes trouble or conflict; often implies deliberate provocation of others to act.

## Examples

- He acts as the instigator when arguments start at school.
- The police identified him as the instigator who encouraged the crowd to block the road.
- Although several members joined the protest, historians regard the pamphleteer as its principal instigator, whose writings turned quiet dissatisfaction into organized resistance.

## Synonyms

troublemaker, agitator, ringleader, initiator, inciter, provoker

## Antonyms

peacemaker, mediator

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by 'of' to name the action provoked ('the instigator of the protest').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.