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
b
archaic : to arouse to a feeling or action
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for provoke
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.
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
Example Sentences
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 Ukraine in return has accused Russia of attempting to provoke a response in the area by staging attacks on the plant where its troops are stationed and by hitting civilian targets in the neighboring town, including three kindergartens on Thursday. —Caitlin Mcfall, Fox News, 2 Sep. 2022 The sheriff's statement did not speculate why Robles crashed his pickup, why his wrists were slashed, or whether Robles deliberately sought to provoke a lethal response by law enforcement. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 19 May 2022 Before Christopher Wallace blessed a mic, hip-hop had never seen someone so naturally gifted -- an unrelenting force on the mic who could move a crowd, terrify naysayers and provoke deep thought all in one verse. —cleveland, 24 Sep. 2022 Vilks had said that the cartoons were not intended to provoke Muslims, but to challenge political correctness in the art world. —NBC News, 4 Oct. 2021 This overconsumption, partnered with social media -- which may provoke negative body image in children, the release said -- can create the conditions for binge eating. —Maria Morava And Aj Willingham, CNN, 4 Mar. 2021 International outrage did, however, provoke significant reforms. —Joshua Robinson, WSJ, 14 Nov. 2022 Your efforts to improve your health could provoke awkwardness with your friends at this time. —Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2022 This development helped provoke concerns about the nature of the relationship between FTX and Alameda, its sister company. —Charles Bovaird, Forbes, 11 Nov. 2022 See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'provoke.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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, //www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provoke. Accessed 19 Dec. 2022.
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Last Updated: 15 Dec 2022 - Updated example sentences
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