provoke

verb

pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk How to pronounce provoke (audio)
provoked; provoking

transitive verb

1
a
: to call forth (a feeling, an action, etc.) : evoke
provoke laughter
b
: to stir up purposely
provoke a fight
c
: to provide the needed stimulus for
will provoke a lot of discussion
2
a
: to incite to anger
b
archaic : to arouse to a feeling or action
provoker noun
Choose the Right Synonym for provoke

provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking.

provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

synonyms see in addition irritate

Examples of provoke in a Sentence

His remarks provoked both tears and laughter. He just says those things because he's trying to provoke you. The animal will not attack unless it is provoked.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In contrast to the booming exports, import growth has flat-lined as the domestic economy struggles to pick up, provoking a global backlash from countries that fear the flood of cheaper Chinese goods. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2024 Amid the stalemate in larger nuclear negotiations with Washington, Kim has been dialing up pressure on South Korea, abandoning his country’s long-standing goal of inter-Korean reconciliation and verbally threatening to attack the South with nukes if provoked. Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 Its hesitation stemmed from fears that allowing Ukraine to carry out the strikes would involve the U.S. more directly in the conflict and provoke a harsh response from Putin, who has long threatened to deploy nuclear weapons in the conflict. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024 China tried to adjust the status quo in the border region in violation of existing treaties and covenants by moving troops into sensitive areas and provoking confrontations with Indian soldiers, in the process transforming India’s security calculus. Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for provoke 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French *provoker, provocher, from Latin provocare, from pro- forth + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice — more at pro-, voice

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of provoke was in the 14th century

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

verb
pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk How to pronounce provoke (audio)
provoked; provoking
1
: to excite to anger
2
: to stir up : bring about
provoke an argument
Etymology

Middle English provoken "to arouse to strong feeling or action," from early French provoquer (same meaning), from Latin provocare "to call forth, stir up," from pro- "forth, forward" and vocare "to call" — related to advocate, revoke, vocation

Medical Definition

provoke

transitive verb
pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk How to pronounce provoke (audio)
provoked; provoking
: to induce (a physical reaction)
ipecac provokes vomiting

Legal Definition

provoke

transitive verb
pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk How to pronounce provoke (audio)
provoked; provoking
1
: to incite to anger
2
: to provide the needed stimulus for
provoker noun

More from Merriam-Webster on provoke

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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