Agitator/ˈædʒɪteɪtər/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Provocative Role An agitator often challenges the status quo and provokes thought or action. The journalist's agitator role sparked a public debate on the issue. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Violent Being an agitator doesn't necessarily mean using violence; it can be peaceful. She's a peaceful agitator who believes in the power of words. Pro Tip 3/3Context of Unrest Agitators are often associated with times of social or political unrest. During the protests, several agitators were arrested for inciting the crowd.