Provoke - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Provoke means to deliberately stir up a reaction, such as anger, thought, or action. It can involve challenging someone or causing a strong response, often intentionally. Example: His rude comment provoked an argument.
Definition:
To deliberately annoy or stimulate someone to react, often angrily or emotionally.
Synonyms:
incite, irritate, provoke, agitate, antagonize
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
pacify, soothe
Common Collocations:
provoke anger, provoke a reaction, provoke debate, provoke thought
Derivatives:
provocation, provocative, provocateur
Usage Tips:
Use "provoke" when describing actions that intentionally cause strong emotions or reactions in others.
Common Phrases:
stir up trouble, push someone's buttons, rub the wrong way
Etymology:
From Latin "provocare," meaning "to call forth" or "challenge."
Examples:
- 1. His rude comment was meant to provoke her.
- 2. The politician's speech could provoke unrest among the crowd.
- 3. Don't provoke the dog; it might bite you.
- 4. Her artwork aims to provoke thought about social issues.