Provoker: meaning, definitions and examples

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provoker

[prəˈvəʊkə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

social interaction

A person who deliberately behaves in a way that is likely to result in others feeling annoyed, offended, or upset.

Synonyms

aggressor, instigator, troublemaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
provoker	Used to describe someone who intentionally tries to incite reactions or responses from others, often in a deliberate manner. He was often seen as a provoker, always sparking debates and arguments at family gatherings
instigator	Refers to a person who starts something, especially trouble or conflict, often encouraging others to participate. She was the instigator of the prank that caused chaos in the office
aggressor	Implies someone who initiates hostile actions or behavior, often with the intent of causing harm or asserting dominance. In the conflict, the aggressor was clearly the one who launched the first attack
troublemaker	Used to describe someone who frequently causes problems or disturbances, often in a disruptive or mischievous way. This term also has a negative connotation. The teacher had to keep an eye on Jake, the known troublemaker in the class

Examples of usage

He was known as a provoker, always stirring up trouble among his friends.
She enjoys being a provoker and starting debates on controversial topics.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

psychology

A stimulus or event that elicits a specific response or reaction in an individual.

Synonyms

catalyst, stimulus, trigger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
provoker	Use 'provoker' for a person or thing that deliberately incites or stirs up trouble, often with negative connotations. The protest was disrupted by a known provoker The comedian was called a provoker for his controversial jokes
stimulus	Use 'stimulus' to describe anything that prompts or encourages a response, reaction, or activity, often in biological, economic, or psychological contexts. The light serves as a stimulus for the plant's growth The government announced a new stimulus package to boost the economy
trigger	Use 'trigger' to refer to something that causes an immediate reaction or event, often with sudden or strong effects, sometimes with negative connotations. The loud noise was a trigger for his anxiety The earthquake triggered a massive landslide
catalyst	Use 'catalyst' in scientific contexts to describe substances that speed up chemical reactions or in general language to describe something that causes an important event to happen. The enzyme acts as a catalyst in the reaction The economic crisis was a catalyst for major reforms

Examples of usage

The loud noise acted as a provoker for his anxiety attacks.
The sight of blood can be a provoker for some people.

Translations

Translations of the word "provoker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 provocador

🇮🇳 उकसाने वाला

🇩🇪 Provokateur

🇮🇩 provokator

🇺🇦 провокатор

🇵🇱 prowokator

🇯🇵 挑発者 (ちょうはつしゃ)

🇫🇷 provocateur

🇪🇸 provocador

🇹🇷 kışkırtıcı

🇰🇷 도발자

🇸🇦 محرض

🇨🇿 provokatér

🇸🇰 provokatér

🇨🇳 挑衅者

🇸🇮 provokator

🇮🇸 ögrandi

🇰🇿 арандатушы

🇬🇪 პროვოკატორი

🇦🇿 təxribatçı

🇲🇽 provocador

Etymology

The word 'provoker' originated from the verb 'provoke', which comes from the Latin word 'provocare', meaning 'to challenge or call forth'. The term has evolved over time to describe someone who intentionally stirs up trouble or incites a reaction in others. The concept of provoking behavior has been studied in psychology and sociology to understand its impact on individuals and society.