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.
Listen to this article Charges have been dropped against a police agitator accused of trying to break into an NYPD officer’s Brooklyn home after prosecutors reviewed video of a protest outside the cop’s house. Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025 Once the agitators calmed down, the acting president was able to get through her final points. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025 The condemnations run the gamut: accusations of antisemitism; accusations of outsider agitators; accusations charging the moral emptiness of the listless radical chic. Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 17 May 2025 Feldstein Soto’s decision not to charge in all but a handful of cases has reignited debate about how the protests were handled and left some campus officials wondering whether future agitators will be emboldened. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 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 1 Jun. 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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