Unprovoked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unprovoked
[ʌnprəˈvəʊkt ]
Definition
behavior
Not provoked or caused by anything else; without any apparent reason or motive.
Synonyms
baseless, groundless, undeserved, unjustified, unwarranted.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unprovoked |
When something happens without any preceding action or cause, often used in situations involving aggression or attacks.
|
| unwarranted |
Used to describe actions or comments that are unnecessary or excessive, often with a negative tone.
|
| unjustified |
When an action, decision, or reasoning lacks proper reasoning or evidence. Can have a mild negative connotation.
|
| groundless |
Similar to 'baseless,' used for statements, fears, or concerns that have no factual basis.
|
| baseless |
When a claim or accusation has no foundation or evidence to support it, often used in legal or formal contexts.
|
| undeserved |
When someone receives something, usually a punishment or criticism, that they did not merit.
|
Examples of usage
- His unprovoked aggression towards the other team led to a fight on the field.
- She was shocked by the unprovoked criticism she received from her coworker.
- The soldier was disciplined for his unprovoked attack on civilians.
- The dog's unprovoked barking scared the neighbors.
- The unprovoked shooting left the community in fear.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Unprovoked aggression is a topic of study in psychology, emphasizing behaviors that appear without prior stimulus.
- In many cases, unprovoked acts can be linked to underlying psychological conditions or stress factors rather than deliberate intent.
Legal Context
- In legal terminology, unprovoked actions can influence the severity of criminal charges, especially in cases of assault.
- Laws often differentiate between provoked and unprovoked incidents to address justifiable defenses.
Animal Behavior
- In the animal kingdom, unprovoked aggression is often observed in territorial disputes where an animal attacks without external threats.
- Understanding unprovoked behaviors in pets can help owners manage their companions more effectively.
Literature
- Many characters in novels display unprovoked actions as a way to explore human nature and motivations.
- The theme of unprovoked hostility appears frequently in classic literature, indicating deeper societal issues.
Origin of 'unprovoked'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'provocare', meaning 'to call forth'. The prefix 'un-' means 'not', so it refers to not being called forth.
- The concept has been in use since at least the 15th century to describe actions or responses that occur without provocation.
The word 'unprovoked' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of the verb 'provoke'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of being unprovoked has been a part of human behavior since ancient times, with references in various historical texts and writings. The word continues to be used in modern language to describe actions or behaviors that occur without any apparent cause or stimulus.
See also: provocateur, provocation, provocative, provocatively, provoke, provoker, provoking, provokingly.