provocation

[prɒvəˈkeɪʃn]

provocation Definition

• 1. action or speech that makes someone angry or annoyed, especially deliberately
• 2. the act of provoking

Using provocation: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "provocation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The article was written as a provocation to the government.

• Example

  He was arrested for assault after a minor provocation.

• Example

  Her constant teasing was a provocation to her little brother.

• Example

  The company's decision to lay off workers was seen as a provocation by the labor union.

provocation Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for provocation

• incitement
• stimulation
• instigation
• irritation
• aggravation

Antonyms for provocation

• appeasement
• calm
• pacification

Idioms Using provocation

• take the bait (provocation)

  to react to a provocation, often with anger or aggression

  Example

  He took the bait when his opponent made a personal attack, and the debate turned into a shouting match.

• rise to the bait (provocation)

  to react to a provocation, often with anger or aggression

  Example

  She rose to the bait when her coworker criticized her work, and the argument escalated quickly.

• a provocation to action

  something that motivates or inspires someone to take action

  Example

  The documentary was a provocation to action, inspiring viewers to get involved in environmental activism.

Phrases with provocation

• sexual provocation

  behavior or dress that is intended to arouse sexual desire in others

  Example

  She accused him of sexual provocation when he made inappropriate comments about her appearance.

• provocation of war

  an action or event that leads to the outbreak of war

  Example

  The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the provocation of World War I.

• unwarranted provocation

  an action or behavior that is unjustified and causes anger or annoyance

  Example

  The police officer's use of excessive force was an unwarranted provocation that led to protests.

Origins of provocation

from Latin 'provocatio', meaning 'a calling forth'

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Summary: provocation in Brief

The term 'provocation' [prɒvəˈkeɪʃn] refers to actions or speech that deliberately make someone angry or annoyed. It can also refer to the act of provoking. Examples include an article written to provoke the government or a person being arrested for assault after a minor provocation. Phrases like 'sexual provocation' and 'provocation of war' extend its meaning. Idioms like 'take the bait' and 'rise to the bait' describe reacting to provocation, while 'a provocation to action' denotes something that motivates or inspires someone to take action.