Stirrer

A 'stirrer' is a person or thing that provokes, incites, or instigates conflict, trouble, or strong emotions, particularly within a group or community. They can be individuals who deliberately cause disruption, spread rumors, or inflame existing tensions, but the term can also describe an action or a situation that leads to the same outcomes. The effect of a stirrer is to disrupt the status quo and often lead to arguments, discord, and division among people. The term carries a generally negative connotation, highlighting the destructive potential of meddling and provocation. The intention can be malicious, or it can be perceived as such from the outside, and the person may cause the issue without the intention.

Stirrer meaning with examples

• Sarah, known as a constant stirrer at family gatherings, always brought up sensitive topics, leading to arguments and hurt feelings among relatives. Her comments were often phrased as innocent questions, but her intent to cause conflict was always apparent to the wider family.
• The inflammatory blog post, a digital stirrer, immediately ignited a heated debate in the online forum. It made personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims, creating a frenzy of outrage and counter-arguments that divided the community.
• The new manager, seen as a stirrer, introduced significant policy changes that upset the established work dynamic. His actions were interpreted by employees as needlessly disruptive, leading to decreased morale, resentment, and even a silent work slowdown.
• The media often reports on political commentators accused of being stirrers, as their words cause the most inflammatory content for their viewers. The commentators are often accused of using their platform to incite hatred and division amongst the population.