provoke

fan, ignite, inflame (also enflame), kindle, trigger

activate, animate, drive, energize, galvanize, induce, inspire, key (up), motivate, pump up, quicken, set off, vitalize

abet, ferment, foment, raise, whip (up)

anger, enrage, madden, upset

jeer, taunt, tease

annoy, bother, exasperate, gall, irritate, vex

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate

detonate, set, set off, trigger

excite, galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, motivate, rouse

activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, stimulate, vitalize