provocateur

noun

1. One who engages in provocative behavior.

   “Near-synonyms: provoker (sometimes synonymous), agitator”

   “Gerard Mortier, an iconoclastic impresario and one of the opera world’s premier provocateurs, will become general manager and artistic director of the New York City Opera in 2009.”

   “Cannes is smacking its lips in anticipation of filmmaker and provocateur Michael Moore's latest jeremiad against the US administration, which receives its premiere at the film festival today.”

2. An undercover agent who incites suspected persons to partake in or commit criminal acts.

   “Near-synonyms: agitator, inciter”