Provoke: meaning, definitions and examples

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provoke

[ prəˈvəʊk ]

^{Context #1}

in a conflict

Stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one) in someone.

Synonyms

antagonize, arouse, incite, inflame, trigger

Examples of usage

His comments provoked a heated debate among the students.
The controversial article provoked outrage among the readers.

^{Context #2}

in a person

Deliberately make (someone) annoyed or angry.

Synonyms

anger, annoy, infuriate, irritate

Examples of usage

She was provoked by his constant teasing.
He knew that bringing up the topic would provoke her.

^{Context #3}

in animals

Stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion) in an animal.

Synonyms

agitate, enrage, inflame, stir up

Examples of usage

The bull was provoked by the red flag waved by the matador.
It's important not to provoke wild animals in their natural habitat.

Translations

Translations of the word "provoke" in other languages:

🇵🇹 provocar

🇮🇳 उकसाना

🇩🇪 provozieren

🇮🇩 memprovokasi

🇺🇦 провокувати

🇵🇱 prowokować

🇯🇵 挑発する (chōhatsu suru)

🇫🇷 provoquer

🇪🇸 provocar

🇹🇷 kışkırtmak

🇰🇷 유발하다 (yubalada)

🇸🇦 يستفز (yastafizz)

🇨🇿 provokovat

🇸🇰 provokovať

🇨🇳 挑衅 (tiǎoxìn)

🇸🇮 izzivati

🇮🇸 ögrandi

🇰🇿 арандату

🇬🇪 გამოწვევა (gamotsveva)

🇦🇿 təhrik etmək

🇲🇽 provocar

Word origin

The word 'provoke' originated from the Latin word 'provocare', which means 'to call forth'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. The term has evolved over time to encompass the idea of stimulating a reaction or emotion in someone or something. The concept of provocation has been a key element in understanding human behavior and animal responses in various situations.