What does remonstrator mean?
A remonstrator is someone who protests, particularly in a formal or public way. The term often suggests a deliberate appeal against a decision, policy, action, or perceived injustice rather than an informal complaint. A remonstrator might submit a petition, address officials, or join other people in making a formal objection. The word has a formal, somewhat uncommon character and is most appropriate in reports of civic, legal, political, institutional, or public affairs. It is also useful for distinguishing the person making the protest from the protest itself, which is called a remonstration or remonstrance. Although more frequently encountered as the verb remonstrate or the noun remonstration, remonstrator clearly identifies the individual involved.
nounA person who remonstrates, especially one who formally protests an action, decision, or alleged injustice.
- A person who formally protests or expresses strong objection to an action, decision, policy, or perceived injustice.
"Several remonstrators submitted a formal petition objecting to the decision."
"The remonstrators demanded an explanation from the officials responsible for the policy."
"As a leading remonstrator, she presented the community's objections in a written statement."
The standard plural adds -s to the noun.
"The remonstrators held a peaceful demonstration outside the government building."
A remonstrator is more than a casual complainer: the word belongs to the world of formal protests, objections, and public appeals.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remonstrator come from?
The word comes through English from Latin remonstrator, a form of remonstrare, meaning “to show forth” or “to make known by showing.” The Latin prefix re- and the verb monstrare, meaning “to show,” are also found in English words such as demonstrate and demonstration. In English, remonstrate developed the more specific sense of formally expressing an objection or urging someone to reconsider.
Related word forms
How remonstrator is actually used
Relatively formal and uncommon in everyday speech. It is especially associated with written, official, institutional, or public forms of protest; in less formal contexts, protester or objector is usually more natural.
Easily confused with remonstrator
A remonstrator is the person who makes a protest, whereas a remonstration is the protest or formal expression of objection itself.
Remonstrance is an unusual synonym for a formal objection or remonstration, while a remonstrator is the person who voices it.