Instigant

An instigant is an individual or entity that provokes or incites an action, often something undesirable or unlawful. They are the driving force behind initiating an event or process, encouraging others to participate. The instigant may or may not directly engage in the action themselves but is responsible for starting or encouraging it. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting a malicious or manipulative intent to cause unrest or discord. The instigant's actions are frequently seen as disruptive and harmful.

Instigant meaning with examples

• The disgruntled former employee was suspected as the instigant of the workplace sabotage, leaking confidential information to competitors, fostering distrust and diminishing work performance. His actions caused many problems for former co-workers to deal with.
• Authorities identified the protest leader as the primary instigant behind the riot, accusing him of inciting violence against law enforcement and property damage. The evidence showed he was responsible, despite his denials.
• Rumors circulated that the instigant of the financial scandal was a corrupt executive, manipulating market prices and defrauding investors to line his own pockets. The consequences caused economic collapse for many individuals.
• The investigative journalist exposed the anonymous blogger as the instigant of a smear campaign, revealing fabricated information designed to damage the candidate's reputation and sway public opinion, which was a breach of ethics.