What does "provocateur" mean?

One who engages in provocative behavior.

Provocateur

Common synonyms include: agent provocateur, agent provocateur, agitator, agitators, agitprop, catalyst.

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
One who engages in provocative behavior.
"Near-synonyms: provoker (sometimes synonymous), agitator"
2
a secret agent who incites suspected persons to commit illegal acts wordnet
3
An undercover agent who incites suspected persons to partake in or commit criminal acts.
"Near-synonyms: agitator, inciter"

"Tom is a known agent provocateur."

Borrowed from French provocateur. Doublet of provocator.