First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
agent
noun \ˈā-jənt\
: a person who does business for another person : a person who acts on behalf of another
: a person who tries to get secret information about another country, government, etc.
: a person or thing that causes something to happen
Full Definition of AGENT
1
: one that acts or exerts power
2
a : something that produces or is capable of producing an effect : an active or efficient cause b : a chemically, physically, or biologically active principle
3
: a means or instrument by which a guiding intelligence achieves a result
4
: one who is authorized to act for or in the place of another: as a : a representative, emissary, or official of a government <crown agent> <federal agent> b : one engaged in undercover activities (as espionage) : spy <secret agent> c : a business representative (as of an athlete or entertainer) <a theatrical agent>
5
: a computer application designed to automate certain tasks (as gathering information online)
See agent defined for English-language learners
See agent defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of AGENT
Middle English, from Medieval Latin agent-, agens, from Latin, present participle of agere to drive, lead, act, do; akin to Old Norse aka to travel in a vehicle, Greek agein to drive, lead
Related to AGENT
- Synonyms
- agency, instrument, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle
AGENT Defined for Kids
agent
noun \ˈā-jənt\
Definition of AGENT for Kids
1
: something that produces an effect <cleansing agents>
2
: a person who acts or does business for another <a travel agent>
Medical Dictionary
agent
noun \ˈā-jənt\
Medical Definition of AGENT
1
: something that produces or is capable of producing an effect
2
: a chemically, physically, or biologically active principle—see oxidizing agent, reducing agent
Learn More About AGENT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: agent cipherPrevious Word in the Dictionary: age normAll Words Near: agent
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up agent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).