provocation

[ prov-uh-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of provoking. provoking.
2. something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates.
3. Criminal Law. words or conduct leading to killing in hot passion and without deliberation.

provocation

/ ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of provoking or inciting
2. something that causes indignation, anger, etc
3. English criminal law words or conduct that incite a person to attack another

Other Words From

• provo·cation·al adjective
• nonprov·o·cation noun
• over·provo·cation noun
• preprov·o·cation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of provocation¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin prōvocātiōn- (stem of prōvocātiō ) a calling forth, equivalent to prōvocāt ( us ) (past participle of prōvocāre to provoke; -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

It’s a provocation to reinvent the process of AI development to include those who ultimately become subject to the algorithms.

From MIT Technology Review

The boundaries between the digital and analog all but disappeared as rage, provocation and gloating bounced back and forth, again and again.

From Washington Post

Luther became a conservative darling this spring for her provocation, spending two days in custody on contempt of court charges.

From ProPublica

That she praised Graham’s oversight of the process, and then got up and hugged him, was simply the final provocation for many liberals.

From Washington Post

As my Vox colleague Jane Coaston pointed out, Miller delights in provocation for provocation’s sake.

From Vox

And then he went on a tear in early 2013, creating one provocation after another, seemingly every day for more than two months.

From The Daily Beast

Without any evidence or provocation, she attacks Swamp Thing—and then gets beaten in the only fight she has in the issue.

From The Daily Beast

The provocation is likely to end any hesitation in Britain over launching strikes against ISIS in Iraq.

From The Daily Beast

The provocation of a severe asthma attack after a cold is a well-known and well-traveled path to serious illness.

From The Daily Beast

None were killed and Ukraine called the incident an attempt at a provocation.

From The Daily Beast

Never, upon any account, or under any provocation, return rudeness by rudeness.

From Project Gutenberg

One thing is certain: Robert was in no aggressive mood, and would not have resumed hostilities without really serious provocation.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps they killed under great provocation, in the heat of passion.

From Project Gutenberg

The tremendous armies and monstrous navies have become far more a provocation and danger than a defense.

From Project Gutenberg

Frances swallowed down a lump in her throat, which was far too apt to come there on small provocation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• affront
• harassment
• indignity
• insult