French word

provocateur

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁovokatœʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounprovocateur

Example

Pendant le débat, il joue au provocateur.

During the debate, he is playing the provocateur.

Illustration for provocateur (provocateur)

More examples

Sur les réseaux sociaux, il se comporte souvent en provocateur pour attirer l'attention.

On social media, he often acts like a provocateur to attract attention.

Core concept

A person who throws a spark into a discussion and makes reactions flare.

Common phrases

  • faire le provocateur

    act like a provocateur

  • être traité de provocateur

    be called a provocateur

Similar words

troll: An online user who provokes others to draw out reactions.
fauteur de troubles: Someone who creates problems and arguments in groups or gatherings.

Definition in French

Personne qui incite ou cherche à envenimer un débat en provoquant des réactions fortes chez autrui.

Word origin

Provocateur is formed from French provoquer and the agent suffix -ateur, ultimately from Latin provocare, meaning to call forth.

Usage tips

  • The feminine form is provocatrice, not provocateuse, so French uses une provocatrice for a woman.

Other meanings

  • agitatornoun
  • instigatornoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word