Provoke
As a Verb
- To cause a reaction, especially a strong or emotional one.
- To deliberately anger, irritate, or annoy someone.
- To stimulate or incite an action, response, or conflict.
As Other Form
- Provocation (Noun): The act of provoking or something that causes provocation.
- Provocative (Adjective): Causing strong emotions, curiosity, or controversy.
Word History
The word provoke comes from the Latin provocare, meaning “to call forth” or “to challenge,” from pro- (forth) and vocare (to call). Originally, it was used in contexts of calling someone out for a fight or action.
Examples
- His rude comments provoked an angry response. (Verb – caused a reaction)
- The unfair decision provoked protests across the city. (Verb – incited action)
- She tried to provoke him, but he remained calm. (Verb – irritate or anger)
- The movie’s provocative themes sparked a lot of debate. (Adjective)
Synonyms
Incite, stimulate, irritate, aggravate, instigate
Related Words
Trigger, enrage, elicit, prompt
Antonyms
Calm, soothe, pacify, appease
