Agent Provocateur
/ˈeɪdʒənt ˌprɒvəˈkætɜːr/
Definitions
- (n.) A person who covertly incites others to commit illegal acts, often to entrap them or justify prosecution.
The police were accused of employing an agent provocateur to incite violence at the protest.
Forms
- agents provocateur
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, use precise terms to distinguish an agent provocateur from other covert operatives, as the former implies intent to induce wrongdoing rather than merely observe.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.