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Provoked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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provoked

[prəʊˈvəʊkd ]

Definitions

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that being provoked can trigger the fight-or-flight response in the brain, affecting emotional regulation.
  • Provocation is often studied in conflict resolution to understand how escalating tensions can lead to aggression.

Literature

  • Many literary characters are often provoked into action by their emotions, which drives the plot forward.
  • Shakespeare often explored themes of provocation in his works, highlighting the consequences of characters acting on strong emotions.

Social Dynamics

  • In social settings, certain behaviors or comments can be seen as provoking, leading to conflicts or heated discussions.
  • Understanding what provokes people can help in mediating disputes and improving communication.

History

  • Throughout history, revolutions have often been sparked by provocation from authorities, leading to massive social changes.
  • Major wars were sometimes provoked by acts of aggression between nations, altering political landscapes dramatically.

Origin of 'provoked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'provocare,' meaning 'to call forth' or 'to summon.'
  • In Old French, the word 'provoquer' had similar meanings and was adopted into English in the late 15th century.

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.