Provoked

To have incited a reaction or feeling, especially anger or another strong emotion, in someone. It means to deliberately cause someone to react in a particular way, often negative, through one's actions or words. It can also refer to triggering or eliciting a certain response, whether emotional or behavioral. The action can range from subtle instigations to overt confrontations, always resulting in a reaction from the subject. The term implies an intent to elicit the reaction, making the act deliberate and purposeful.

Provoked meaning with examples

• The comedian, known for his edgy humor, constantly provoked controversy with his jokes. His intent was to spark debate and discussion, though many found his routines offensive. He often pushed boundaries to see how far he could go, resulting in mixed reactions from the audience, with some laughing and others storming out in anger. His career was a constant balancing act between humor and offense.
• The government's new policies provoked widespread protests across the country. Citizens, angered by the changes, took to the streets to express their discontent. Social media quickly amplified the demonstrations, spreading images and calls for solidarity. The situation escalated quickly, leading to increased police presence and further inflaming the already tense situation.
• His rude comment provoked a heated argument between him and his brother. The seemingly innocuous remark triggered years of built-up resentment. Words were exchanged rapidly, escalating the tone of the conversation from civil to outright aggressive. Family members attempted to intervene, but to no avail, the two brothers were stuck in an impassioned verbal clash.
• The investigation into the company's unethical practices provoked a strong backlash from its employees and shareholders. They felt betrayed and questioned the leadership's integrity. Share prices plummeted, and calls for the CEO's resignation grew. The scandal threatened to collapse the company, leading to a scramble to contain the damage and regain public trust.