Synonyms
provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking.
provoke directs attention to the response called forth.
excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.
stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.
pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.
quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.
synonyms see in addition irritate
Examples of provoke in a Sentence
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near provoke
Cite this Entry
“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provoke. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
provoke
verbMedical Definition
provoke
transitive verbLegal Definition
provoke
transitive verbMore from Merriam-Webster on provoke
Nglish: Translation of provoke for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of provoke for Arabic Speakers
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