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Provoked: meaning, definitions and examples

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provoked

 

[ prəʊˈvəʊkd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

emotional reaction

Provoked refers to the act of causing someone to feel or exhibit a strong reaction or emotion, often as a result of a specific action or stimulus. It typically implies an intent or unintentional act that leads to anger, irritation, or other heightened emotions.

Synonyms

aroused, incited, stimulated

Examples of usage

  • His comments provoked a fierce debate.
  • The sudden noise provoked a startled response.
  • She was provoked to anger by his remarks.
Context #2 | Verb

physical action

In a physical context, to provoke can mean to incite a reaction through an action or behavior, such as poking or challenging someone. This usage often involves provoking someone to respond physically, whether by fighting or another form of confrontation.

Synonyms

agitated, antagonized, instigated

Examples of usage

  • He provoked the dog by teasing it.
  • They were playing a game that provoked friendly competition.
  • She provoked her brother into a playful fight.

Translations

Translations of the word "provoked" in other languages:

🇵🇹 provocado

🇮🇳 उत्तेजित किया गया

🇩🇪 provoziert

🇮🇩 diprovokasi

🇺🇦 спричинений

🇵🇱 prowokowany

🇯🇵 挑発された

🇫🇷 provoqué

🇪🇸 provocado

🇹🇷 provokasyona uğramış

🇰🇷 유발된

🇸🇦 مستفز

🇨🇿 vyprovokovaný

🇸🇰 vyprovokovaný

🇨🇳 挑衅的

🇸🇮 provociran

🇮🇸 öskur

🇰🇿 тудырлатылған

🇬🇪 გამოწვეული

🇦🇿 təhrik olunmuş

🇲🇽 provocado

Etymology

The word 'provoked' originates from the Latin term 'provocare', which means 'to call forth' or 'to challenge'. This is derived from 'pro-' meaning 'forth' and 'vocare', meaning 'to call'. Over time, the term evolved through Old French into Middle English as 'provoke'. It historically referred to inciting someone to act, especially in a confrontational manner, whether it was to anger, challenge, or stimulate action. The usage of 'provoked' in the English language emphasizes the causative aspect of making someone feel an emotion or take action, which has been consistent throughout its evolution. The term has been used in various contexts, from legal to emotional, reflecting its broad applicability in describing actions that elicit strong responses.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,801 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.