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instigator
/ˈɪn.stɪ.ɡeɪ.tər/
one who initiates trouble
The instigator of the protest was arrested by police.
The person who started the protest was caught by the authorities.
formal
a person who initiates or provokes a course of action, especially troublesome or harmful one
The teacher identified the instigator of the classroom disturbance.
The teacher found the student who started the chaos in class.
He was accused of being the instigator of the riot.
He was blamed for starting the violent uprising.
Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe someone who deliberately starts conflict or wrongdoing.
Collocations
primary instigatorthe main person responsible for starting an actionaccuse someone of being an instigatorblame someone for starting trouble
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'instigate'
'Instigator' is the noun form, while 'instigate' is the verb. Remember: 'The instigator instigates.'
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'instigator' when the person's role is to initiate harmful or disruptive actions, not just participate. For neutral or positive initiations, use 'organizer' or 'leader'.
Word Origin
From Latin *instigator*, from *instigare* ('to incite, urge on'), from *in-* ('into, upon') + *stigare* ('to prick, goad'). The word entered English in the 16th century with the sense of someone who stirs up others to action.
Usage Notes
The term carries a negative connotation, implying deliberate malice or irresponsibility. It is stronger than 'troublemaker' as it suggests active initiation rather than mere participation. Common in legal documents, news reports, and formal discussions about conflict.
Word Breakdown
in-
into, upon
prefix-stig-
to prick, goad
root-ator
a person or thing that performs a specified action
suffixEnglish Dictionary