Words / C1

INST-ig-ayt-uh/ˈɪnstɪɡeɪtə/

An instigator is a person who starts something, especially trouble: the instigator of the walkout, an instigator of reform. Ringleader is harsher; a named spare who opened the fire door is still a log line, not a legend.

Meaning

A person who starts a process or event, especially something unwelcome.

Examples

• “Name the instigator of the reprint in the minute; a lobby mood is not a cause.”
• “The instigator of the wedged fire door is a log line, not a legend.”
• “Ringleader is harsher. Agitator is political. A legend is a story. A name, a time, and a wedge are a file. Remove the wedge; write the name; keep the legend for the yearbook.”

Good to know

Person who starts something, often trouble. Harsher: ringleader. A legend ≠ an incident log.

Near in meaning

ringleader, agitator

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