instigator

American  

[in-sti-gey-ter] / ˈɪn stɪˌgeɪ tər /

Rarely instigant

noun

1. a person or thing that provokes or incites an action or course: Plays to be performed at the festival focus on a theme of how youth can be the instigators of positive change.

   Peaceful protesters outnumbered the violent instigators, and they kept the demonstration from becoming a riot.

   Plays to be performed at the festival focus on a theme of how youth can be the instigators of positive change.

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Etymology

Origin of instigator

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin instigātor, equivalent to instigāt(us) + -or -or ² ( def. ); see instigate ( def. )

Example Sentences

According to their coach, Romain Haguenauer, this change of music was the result of behind-the-scenes manipulation -- the instigator allegedly an American judge, a compatriot of Chock and Bates.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

"It potentially acts as an instigator of early Alzheimer's pathology."

From Science Daily • Dec. 22, 2025

But whether it is an unexpected jump in claims costs or lower premiums that are the instigator, the upshot is that auto-insurance underwriting might now be past its peak profitability.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

Barrister James Holding, representing Sinaj, said his client had "come along for the ride" rather than being the instigator.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2025

“Did you know that your employer, M. Ratchett, was the principal instigator in that affair?”

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

• ringleader