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

Derived Forms

• proˈvokingly, adverb
• proˈvoking, adjective

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of provoke¹

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

Synonym Study

See irritate. See incite.

Example Sentences

“Every action they take will likely provoke a lawsuit,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Dayah points to Quranic verses and the Sunnah that set strict conditions for the conduct of jihad, including the necessity of avoiding actions that provoke an excessive and disproportionate response by an opponent.

From BBC

His political takes are even more provocative, meant to arouse, anger and annoy but also to provoke push-back, stirring debate and discussion.

From Los Angeles Times

In a police interview, Kucharski had said he had purchased Wagner Group badges and attached them to clothing to "provoke a reaction" from people at the re-enactment event because of differences in opinion regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

From BBC

The judge rejected a claim Kucharski had acted out of "foolish bravado" to provoke a reaction.

From BBC

Related Words

• arouse
• bring about
• cause
• elicit
• galvanize
• generate
• incite
• induce
• inflame
• inspire
• instigate
• kindle
• lead to
• motivate
• precipitate
• prompt
• stir