Provocate: meaning, definitions and examples

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provocate

 

[ prəˈvoʊkeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

to stimulate action

To provoke means to stimulate or incite someone to take action or to feel a strong emotion. This can often involve challenging someone or creating a situation that leads to a response. The term can also apply to provoking a reaction in a broader context, such as in discussions or social settings.

Synonyms

agitate, incite, instigate, rouse, stimulate

Examples of usage

  • His comments provoked a heated debate.
  • She aimed to provoke thought through her art.
  • The movie was made to provoke an emotional response.
  • They provoked the audience with their controversial statements.

Translations

Translations of the word "provocate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 provocar

🇮🇳 उकसाना

🇩🇪 provozieren

🇮🇩 memprovokasi

🇺🇦 провокувати

🇵🇱 prowokować

🇯🇵 挑発する

🇫🇷 provoquer

🇪🇸 provocar

🇹🇷 provake etmek

🇰🇷 유발하다

🇸🇦 يستفز

🇨🇿 provokovat

🇸🇰 provokovať

🇨🇳 挑衅

🇸🇮 provocirati

🇮🇸 örva

🇰🇿 пробокалау

🇬🇪 პროვოცირება

🇦🇿 təhrik etmək

🇲🇽 provocar

Word origin

The word 'provoke' comes from the Latin 'provocare', which means 'to call forth.' The prefix 'pro-' means 'forward' or 'before,' and 'vocab-' comes from 'vocare,' meaning 'to call.' In Middle English, it appeared as 'provoke,' acquiring the modern sense of inciting anger, resentment, or some reaction. In various contexts, it has retained these meanings, emphasizing the dual aspects of causing a response in others, whether through positive engagement or negative confrontation. The evolution of this word reflects the impact of human interactions, highlighting how actions and words can lead to significant emotional and psychological responses.