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

The Israeli peace activist had been helping Palestinian farmers pick their olives when she was assaulted without provocation.

From BBC

Almost 200,000 people were evacuated from areas along the border by the Russian government and President Vladimir Putin condemned the Ukrainian offensive as a "major provocation".

From BBC

We know that this provocation strategy would throw Trump way off balance.

From Salon

The drones allegedly scattered propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang in what the North described as a provocation that could lead to "armed conflict and even war".

From BBC

Pelosi’s visit and her open support for Taiwan was seen by Beijing as a huge provocation – coming close to a formal recognition of the government here by a very senior US politician.

From BBC

Related Words

• affront
• harassment
• indignity
• insult