provoked

[ pruh-vohkt ]

adjective

1. angered or enraged:

   The boys continued to test out the improved model until it was destroyed by a provoked weasel.

   For all the hype, the “riot” was actually quite mild—just a few empty beer cans and some stones thrown by an already provoked crowd.

2. stirred up or aroused:

   The longtime columnist says that it helps to have an easily provoked sense of indignation.

   To avoid being eaten, a provoked pufferfish blows itself up into a spiny living balloon the size of a volleyball.

3. prompted or caused by some action, behavior, or circumstance; brought about, often deliberately:

   His laugh was a contagious, easily provoked chuckle.

   A provoked bite can occur when a person teases a dog or tries to take away the dog's food while the dog is eating.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of provoke ( def ).

Other Words From

• un·pro·voked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of provoked¹

provoke ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

That figure was what provoked Boasberg to suspend the Arkansas program and block a similar effort in Kentucky before it could even start.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Streeting’s repeated public opposition, including asking officials to examine the costs to the NHS of implementing any change in the law, has provoked private and public irritation from some of his Labour colleagues.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• incensed