diversionist
/daɪˈvɜrʒənɪst/
noun
- A person who engages in or supports activities intended to distract or mislead, especially in a political or military context; often used historically for a saboteur or subversive.
- The novel's villain is a diversionist who plants false information to confuse the authorities.
- The government accused the activist of being a diversionist trying to undermine the war effort.
- During the Cold War, spies and diversionists were a constant concern for both sides.
Synonyms