agitator

noun

ag·​i·​ta·​tor ˈa-jə-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce agitator (audio)
: one that agitates: such as
a
: one who stirs up public feeling on controversial issues
political agitators
b
: a device or an apparatus for stirring or shaking

Examples of agitator in a Sentence

The police arrested several anti-government agitators. a political agitator who led an unsuccessful revolt against the government
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The continent’s staunchest ally and partner, the United States, has turned its back and emerged as an agitator, perhaps even an adversary. Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 At first, the government tried to ignore the protests, then began to use force and accused the protests of being infiltrated by foreign agitators. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025 Where were these newsrooms when agitators were roaming the streets of major cities the world over, threatening Jews and calling for Israel’s destruction? Media-invented moral panics are nothing new. Becket Adams, National Review, 26 Jan. 2025 Winston’s endless complaints and insatiable need to fill silences with the sound of his own voice turn him into a perfect scene agitator that makes every single task feel exponentially harder for Madolyn. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for agitator

Word History

Etymology

agitate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of agitator was in 1663

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Agitator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agitator. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

agitator

noun
ag·​i·​ta·​tor ˈaj-ə-ˌtāt-ər How to pronounce agitator (audio)
1
: a person who stirs up public feeling
2
: a device for stirring or shaking

More from Merriam-Webster on agitator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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