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Definition agent in British English

agent noun

[countable] noun
/ˈeɪdʒ(ə)nt/
1

a person or company that does business for another person or company, for example by selling their products or by dealing with their customers

Example

a shipping agent

1.1

someone whose job is to help a writer, performer, or sports player by finding work for them

Example

a literary agent

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1.2

in the UK, someone who helps a person to become a member of parliament

Synonyms and related words
Example

a secret/undercover/intelligence/CIA agent

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2.1

an official of some US government departments, such as the FBI

Example

Agent Lehman spoke with the police about the case.

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3

a chemical or other substance that has a particular effect

Example

oxidizing agents

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3.1

something that causes change

Example

Soil erosion is a major agent of environmental change.

Synonyms and related words
Definition agent in British English