provocation

noun

prov·​o·​ca·​tion ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of provoking : incitement

2

: something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates

Synonyms of provocation

• excitement
• stimulus
• encouragement
• stimulation
• motivation

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

Murthy said for many users, social media has become an endless scroll of performance, provocation and unattainably perfect body types. —Peter Smith, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025

In the lawsuit, the Somali-American said that ICE tackled him during Monday's operation without provocation, leaving him with injuries. —Conor Wight, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

Evan Shapiro and Jamie Shapiro’s candid, sometimes combative exchange is both blueprint and provocation for filmmakers still clinging to the old model. —Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2025

According to authorities, an unidentified man approached her, struck her without provocation and ran off. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English provocacioun, from Anglo-French provocacion, from Latin provocation-, provocatio, from provocare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for provocation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids 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