Provocation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Provocation is an action or statement intended to deliberately annoy, anger, or challenge someone, often to provoke a reaction or response. It can be verbal or behavioral.
Definition:
Action or speech that deliberately annoys or angers someone to elicit a reaction.
Synonyms:
Incitement, goading, instigation, taunting
Part of Speech:
Noun
Antonyms:
Pacification, appeasement
Common Collocations:
Deliberate provocation, under provocation, respond to provocation
Derivatives:
Provocative, provocateur, provoke
Usage Tips:
Use "provocation" to describe actions or words intended to stir a reaction, often negative or defensive.
Common Phrases:
Rise to the provocation, without provocation, act under provocation
Etymology:
From Latin "provocatio," meaning a calling forth or challenge, derived from "provocare" (to call out).
Examples:
- 1. His rude remark was a clear provocation.
- 2. She ignored the provocation and stayed calm.
- 3. The protest began after repeated provocations by the authorities.
- 4. He reacted violently to the slightest provocation.