Provoke

To provoke means to deliberately incite, stir up, or instigate a reaction, feeling, or action, often negative or unwanted, in someone or something.

It can involve causing annoyance, anger, or resentment through words, actions, or situations. Provocation implies a conscious effort to elicit a response, whether it be emotional, physical, or intellectual.

It can also refer to triggering or activating a dormant potential or process. The act of provoking often carries a degree of risk, as the resulting reaction may be unpredictable or difficult to control.

Provoke meaning with examples

His constant teasing and mocking were designed to provoke her into an argument, knowing she had a short temper and would eventually retaliate with equal fervor, giving him the satisfaction he craved so desperately.
The government's decision to raise taxes on essential goods provoked widespread protests and demonstrations across the country, as citizens felt they were being unfairly burdened by the policy changes.
The scientific community's groundbreaking research on artificial intelligence aims to provoke further investigation into the ethical and societal implications of such advanced technology, urging a cautious approach.
She intentionally wore a scandalous outfit to the party, hoping to provoke a reaction from her conservative aunt, who was known for her disapproval of unconventional fashion choices.

Provoke Synonyms

aggravate annoy arouse challenge evoke exasperate goad incite inflame instigate irritate stir up taunt trigger

Provoke Antonyms

appease calm dampen discourage dissuade mitigate pacify placate quell soothe suppress

Provoke Crossword Answers

3 Letters

IRE FAN IRK VEX

4 Letters

PROD STIR SPUR ROIL GOAD DARE RILE BAIT FIRE

5 Letters

PIQUE ANGER ROUSE TEMPT EGGON SPARK INCUR EVOKE BESET CHEVY CHIVY HARRY RAISE ANNOY

6 Letters

ELICIT STIRUP INCITE RILEUP KINDLE LEADTO NETTLE FOMENT NEEDLE ENRAGE KICKUP CHEVVY CHIVVY HARASS HASSLE MOLEST PLAGUE AROUSE

7 Letters

AGITATE INFLAME

8 Letters

IRRITATE ENKINDLE

9 Letters

INSTIGATE CALLFORTH STIMULATE INFURIATE

10 Letters

ANTAGONIZE ARISEOUTOF EXASPERATE