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

Jones told the summit: "The thing that really provoked me to say it's time to pay attention now is Tupac."

From BBC

This latest video has provoked outrage, prompting Burkina Faso's military general staff to insist it has the nation's best interests at heart.

From BBC

The implications, choices, trade-offs and dilemmas for the UK provoked by what has just happened in America are legion.

From BBC

The clip provoked outrage, but it was a sham — Harris never said that.

From Los Angeles Times

The strike provoked a strong response from Israel's closest ally, the US, which described it as a “horrifying incident with a horrifying result” and demanded an explanation.

From BBC

Related Words

• incensed