Instigator Meaning in English

word

US

ˈɪnstəˌɡeɪtɝ

IN-stuh-gay-ter

UK

ˈɪnstɪɡˌeɪtɐ

IN-sti-gay-tuh

Definition

A person who starts or causes something, especially trouble, conflict, or an event.

Usage & Nuances

Often used negatively to imply someone causes trouble or stirs up conflict, but can also apply to someone who initiates positive change. Common with 'trouble,' 'violence,' 'riot.' Not for general leaders or organizers.

• Spanish: instigador - provocador
• Portuguese (BR): instigador - provocador
• Portuguese (PT): instigador - provocador
• Chinese (Simplified): 煽动者 - 发起者
• Chinese (Traditional): 煽動者 - 發起者
• Hindi: उकसाने वाला - भड़काने वाला
• Arabic: محرّض - مثير
• Bengali: উসকানিদাতা - উসকানি প্রদানকারী
• Russian: подстрекатель - зачинщик
• Japanese: 扇動者 - 首謀者
• Vietnamese: kẻ xúi giục - người khơi mào
• Korean: 선동가 - 자극자
• Turkish: kışkırtıcı - tahrikçi
• Urdu: اشتعال پیدا کرنے والا - فسادات کی ابتدا کرنے والا
• Indonesian: provokator - penghasut

Example Sentences

The police identified the instigator of the fight.

basic

Who was the instigator of the argument?

basic

The teacher warned the instigator to stop causing trouble.

basic

That prank never would've happened without an instigator like Tom.

natural

Every movement needs a real instigator to get things started.

natural

She was the quiet instigator behind the team's big win.

natural