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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.

provocation

/ˌprɑvəˈkeɪʃən/ /ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən/

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.

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