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View synonyms for provoke

provoke

[ pruh-vohk ]

verb (used with object)

, pro·voked, pro·vok·ing.
  1. to anger, enrage, exasperate, or vex.

    Synonyms: infuriate, exacerbate, aggravate, annoy, irk

  2. to stir up, arouse, or call forth (feelings, desires, or activity):

    The mishap provoked a hearty laugh.

    Synonyms: instigate, rouse

  3. to incite or stimulate (a person, animal, etc.) to action.
  4. to give rise to, induce, or bring about:

    What could have provoked such an incident?

  5. Obsolete. to summon.


provoke

/ prəˈvəʊk /

verb

  1. to anger or infuriate
  2. to cause to act or behave in a certain manner; incite or stimulate
  3. to promote (certain feelings, esp anger, indignation, etc) in a person
  4. obsolete.
    to summon
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • proˈvokingly, adverb
  • proˈvoking, adjective
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Other Words From

  • pro·vok·er noun
  • mis·pro·voke verb (used with object) misprovoked misprovoking
  • o·ver·pro·voke verb overprovoked overprovoking
  • pre·pro·voke verb (used with object) preprovoked preprovoking
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Word History and Origins

Origin of provoke1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin prōvocāre “to call forth, challenge, provoke,” equivalent to prō- pro- 1 + vocāre “to call”; akin to vōx voice
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Word History and Origins

Origin of provoke1

C15: from Latin prōvocāre to call forth, from vocāre to call
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Synonym Study

See irritate. See incite.
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Example Sentences

Neither Hegseth nor Gabbard, on the other hand, have little experience in their respective portfolios; Gabbard in particular has provoked consternation over her promotion of Kremlin talking points and conspiracy theories.

From Salon

RFK Jr has long expressed views that conflict with scientific evidence, especially on vaccines, and his nomination has provoked opposition from public health experts.

From BBC

She claims that America wants to destroy Russia and provoked it into invading Ukraine in order to impose draconian sanctions on the country.

From Salon

Minister Ntshavheni's remarks have provoked mixed reaction from South Africans, with some praising the government's unyielding approach.

From BBC

To a sizable portion of members, the decision was an abomination, and it provoked a mutiny.

From Salon

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provocativeprovoked