provocation

noun

prov·​o·​ca·​tion ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of provoking : incitement

2

: something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates

Synonyms

• excitement
• incitation
• incitement
• instigation

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

Trump’s false claims notwithstanding, the war started when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 without any provocation from its neighbor. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025

Both groups enhance America's ability to deter Iranian naval provocations and respond to threats, including Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025

But is this just provocation for provocation’s sake? —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025

Hollow provocations without substantive understanding of your issue will undermine your credibility. —Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th 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