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provoke

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

Definition of provoke

transitive verb

1a : 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
2a : to incite to anger
b archaic : to arouse to a feeling or action
Other Words from provoke Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about provoke

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Other Words from provoke

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Read more: Why the suspected attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman could provoke a full-blown conflict with Iran Allies in the Persian Gulf pushed the U.S. to confront Iran. — Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, "Iran’s Zarif makes surprise trip to G-7, catching Trump off-guard," 25 Aug. 2019 His dejection was a direct result of the startling effect that a mere glimpse at Taliesin West provoked in him. — Fortune, "This Photographer Is Trying to Shoot All 431 Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings Around the World," 24 Aug. 2019 And yet, in the same way that its volatile subject matter provokes a minefield of questions, so too does Oswald. — Michael Granberry, Dallas News, "In searching for the next ‘Hamilton,’ the makers of the musical ‘Oswald’ traverse the JFK minefield," 23 Aug. 2019 Our cover story about Holy Land tours led by both Israeli and Palestinian guides provoked the greatest response, stirring passions on all sides of the Mideast conflict. — Smithsonian, "Readers Respond to Our July-August issue," 23 Aug. 2019 Still, one of his colleagues, Lo Man-tuen, said that local Fujianese would not hesitate to defend themselves if provoked. — New York Times, "Hong Kong Convulsed by Protest as Police Fire Tear Gas Into Subway," 11 Aug. 2019 Still, one of his colleagues, Lo Man-tuen, said that local Fujianese would not hesitate to defend themselves if provoked. — Mike Ives, BostonGlobe.com, "Hong Kong convulsed by protest as police fire tear gas into subway," 11 Aug. 2019 Tarantulas may strike if provoked, but their venom is comparable to that of a bee sting. — Dylan Miettinen, CNN, "Is that love in the air? Thousands of tarantulas to descend on southeast Colorado in search of mates," 9 Aug. 2019 The Indian government would have known well in advance that this decision would likely provoke fierce resistance. — Billy Perrigo, Time, "The Indian Government Is Revoking Kashmir's Special Status. Here's What That Means," 5 Aug. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of provoke

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

History and Etymology for provoke

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

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More Definitions for provoke

provoke

verb
How to pronounce provoke (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of provoke

: to cause the occurrence of (a feeling or action) : to make (something) happen
: to cause (a person or animal) to become angry, violent, etc.

See the full definition for provoke in the English Language Learners Dictionary

provoke

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

Kids Definition of provoke

1 : to cause to become angry Don't provoke your sister.
2 : to bring about The joke provoked a smile.

provoke

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

Medical Definition of provoke

: to induce (a physical reaction) ipecac provokes vomiting

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