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Citation Information
How to Cite
Manser, Martin H. "agent provocateur." Writer's Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 18 Apr. 2025. <http://fofweb.infobase.com/wrc/Detail.aspx?iPin=FWP000086>.
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agent provocateur

Pronunciation pronunciation key
azhon(g) prōvokăter, ayjănt prōvokăter

Inflected Form(s)
plural agents provocateurs

Function
noun phrase

Definition 
a spy, a secret agent who incites others to commit incriminating acts while pretending to be in sympathy with them: "The proper business of an 'agent provocateur' is to provoke. As far as I can judge from your record kept here, you have done nothing to earn your money for the last three years" (Joseph Conrad, The Secret Agent, 1907).

Etymology etymology key
provoking agent

Word or Phrase Origin
French

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