provocation
noun
prov·o·ca·tion
ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən 
1
: the act of provoking : incitement
2
: something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates
Examples of provocation in a Sentence
He can turn violent at the least provocation.
Her calmness in the face of repeated provocations impressed her friends.
With hardly any provocation, the crowd began to chant.
Recent Examples on the Web
Many Palestinians view the heightened Israeli security presence, and increasing visits by religious and nationalist Israeli Jews, as a provocation.
—
Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
His rise to prominence in France was fueled not only by incendiary rhetoric but also by the tactical and strategic use of intimidation, provocation, and violence, culminating in the role Morès played as the dark soul of the Dreyfus affair.
—Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
The provocation was sheer Morrison.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026
Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana opens with a provocation coyly disguised as serenity.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
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Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
His rise to prominence in France was fueled not only by incendiary rhetoric but also by the tactical and strategic use of intimidation, provocation, and violence, culminating in the role Morès played as the dark soul of the Dreyfus affair.
—Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
The provocation was sheer Morrison.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026
Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana opens with a provocation coyly disguised as serenity.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocation. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
provocation
noun
prov·o·ca·tion
ˌpräv-ə-ˈkā-shən
1
: the act of provoking
2
: something that provokes
Medical Definition
provocation
noun
prov·o·ca·tion
ˌpräv-ə-ˈkā-shən
: the act or process of provoking
a nonspecific irritant that brings about provocation of bronchial asthma
Legal Definition
provocation
noun
prov·o·ca·tion
ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən
1
: the act of provoking
2
: something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates
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