Unprovoked - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Unprovoked means done without any reason or justification, often referring to an action or attack that was not caused or prompted by anything. It implies spontaneity or lack of motive.
Definition:
Done without justification or cause, often referring to an aggressive or hostile act.
Synonyms:
unjustified, unwarranted, gratuitous, baseless
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
provoked, justified, warranted
Common Collocations:
unprovoked attack, unprovoked aggression, unprovoked violence
Derivatives:
unprovokedly (adverb), unprovokedness (noun)
Usage Tips:
Use "unprovoked" to describe actions taken without reason or trigger, especially in conflicts or attacks.
Common Phrases:
unprovoked assault, unprovoked outburst, unprovoked hostility
Etymology:
From Middle English "un-" (not) + "provoked" (past participle of provoke), meaning not incited or caused by prior action.
Examples:
- 1. The dog barked in an unprovoked manner at the stranger.
- 2. Her unprovoked anger surprised everyone in the room.
- 3. The soldier was injured in an unprovoked attack during the ceasefire.
- 4. He apologized for his unprovoked outburst at the meeting yesterday.