provoke

verb

pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk 

provoked; provoking

transitive verb

1

a

: to call forth (a feeling, an action, etc.) : evoke

provoke laughter

b

: to stir up purposely

provoke a fight

c

: to provide the needed stimulus for

will provoke a lot of discussion

2

a

: to incite to anger

b

archaic : to arouse to a feeling or action

provoker noun

Synonyms

• arouse
• encourage
• excite
• fire (up)
• impassion
• incite
• instigate
• move
• pique
• rev (up)
• spark
• stimulate
• stir

Choose the Right Synonym for provoke

provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking.

provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

synonyms see in addition irritate

Examples of provoke in a Sentence

His remarks provoked both tears and laughter.

He just says those things because he's trying to provoke you.

The animal will not attack unless it is provoked.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the Marion raids provoked widespread condemnation, many other confirmed or alleged Fourth Amendment violations draw little public attention. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024

Defense spending stayed low across the West not just because of budget pressures, but also because everyone – including the US – was frightened to provoke Russia. —Luke McGee, CNN, 4 Apr. 2024

The lawsuit against ranchers, many multi-generational, provoked outrage among some residents, leading to a series of contentious public meetings. —Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024

The proliferation of the American ship and flag — used by slavers of all nationalities — in the illicit commerce soon provoked alarm among diplomats. —Rafael Vilela, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2024

Moreover, even as the U.S. killing of Saadi, the Kataib Hezbollah commander, provoked fury in Iraq, axis groups refrained from any retaliation, although Kataib Hezbollah later reversed its earlier decision to suspend operations. —Joost Hiltermann, Foreign Affairs, 28 Mar. 2024

Rutte is a leading candidate to be the next head of NATO, an organization that China has criticized for provoking regional tensions and making forays into the Asia-Pacific region. —Ken Moritsugu and Zen Soo, Quartz, 27 Mar. 2024

But the Texas law has provoked an unusual moment of unity between the two front-runners — Claudia Sheinbaum, a López Obrador ally, and Xóchitl Gálvez, the main challenger from the opposition — who both have criticized the legislation and U.S. treatment of migrants. —Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024

Deputy District Attorney John Dunlap said that is because Burke is alleged to have provoked one killing, and his actions aided and abetted the other. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French *provoker, provocher, from Latin provocare, from pro- forth + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice — more at pro-, voice

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Kids Definition

provoke

verb

pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk 

provoked; provoking

1

: to excite to anger

2

: to stir up : bring about

provoke an argument

Etymology

Middle English provoken "to arouse to strong feeling or action," from early French provoquer (same meaning), from Latin provocare "to call forth, stir up," from pro- "forth, forward" and vocare "to call" — related to advocate, revoke, vocation

Medical Definition

provoke

transitive verb

pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk 

provoked; provoking

: to induce (a physical reaction)

ipecac provokes vomiting

Legal Definition

provoke

transitive verb

pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk 

provoked; provoking

1

: to incite to anger

2

: to provide the needed stimulus for

provoker noun