agitprop

[ aj-it-prop ]

noun

1. agitation and propaganda, especially for the cause of communism.
2. Often Agitprop. an agency or department, as of a government, that directs and coordinates agitation and propaganda.
3. Also agitpropist. a person who is trained or takes part in such activities.

adjective

1. of or relating to agitprop.

agitprop

/ ˈædʒɪtˌprɒp /

noun

1. often capital (formerly) a bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, in charge of agitation and propaganda on behalf of Communism
2. 1. any promotion, as in the arts, of political propaganda, esp of a Communist nature
   2. ( as modifier )

      agitprop theatre

Word History and Origins

Origin of agitprop¹

First recorded in 1930–35; from Russian Agitpróp, originally for Agitatsiónno-propagandístskiĭ otdél “Agitation Propaganda Section” (of the Central Committee, or a local committee, of the Communist Party); subsequently the head of such a section, or in compound names of political education organs, as agitpropbrigáda, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of agitprop¹

C20: short for Russian Agitpropbyuro, from agit ( atsiya ) agitation + prop ( aganda ) propaganda

Example Sentences

Art as propaganda works both ways, and agitprop will likely follow from activist artists in the next few years.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the organizers insist the exhibit is neither political theater nor agitprop, it was met with anti-Israel demonstrators in New York in June.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s still at it, riling up his crowds with the Big Lie and engaging in agitprop against American leaders, critical governmental institutions, individual judges, poll workers, journalists — anyone who dares speak out against him.

From Salon

Bridget Ziegler co-founded Moms for Liberty with the goal of transforming staid school board meetings into high-octane right-wing agitprop.

From Salon

It's ironic that the team at PragerU hates communism so much since they produce dishonest agitprop that rivals anything the Soviet Union's most shameless propagandists produced.

From Salon

Related Words

• disinformation
• hype
• indoctrination
• publicity