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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.

provoke

/prəˈvoʊk/ /prəˈvəʊk/

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.

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