Solution:When a reactant loses electrons during a reaction, it is called oxidation. When a reactant accumulates electrons during a reaction, it is called reduction. In the reaction M𝑛𝑂₂ + 4HCl → MnC𝑙₂ + 2𝐻₂O + C𝑙₂, MnO₂ → is the oxidizing agent and HCl is the reducing agent.