provoke

[prəˈvəʊk]

provoke Definition

• 1. stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one) in someone
• 2. deliberately make (someone) annoyed or angry

Using provoke: Examples

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

• Example

  The decision to close the factory provoked an angry response from the workers.

• Example

  She was trying to provoke him into a fight.

• Example

  His comments provoked a storm of protest from environmental groups.

• Example

  The article provoked a lively debate among readers.

provoke Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for provoke

• arouse
• evoke
• excite
• irritate
• incite

Antonyms for provoke

• appease
• calm
• pacify

Idioms Using provoke

• provoke a tiger

  to do something that is likely to cause a strong and angry reaction from someone

  Example

  You're really provoking a tiger if you keep insulting him like that.

• provoke fate

  to do something that is likely to bring bad luck or negative consequences

  Example

  I don't want to provoke fate by talking about how well things are going.

• provoke the gods

  to do something that is likely to anger or offend the gods or fate

  Example

  The king's arrogance and hubris provoked the gods, leading to his downfall.

Phrases with provoke

• provoke laughter

  cause people to laugh by saying or doing something funny

  Example

  Her witty remarks never failed to provoke laughter from the audience.

• provoke a reaction

  cause a response or reaction from someone

  Example

  The movie's shocking ending provoked a strong reaction from the audience.

• provoke thought

  cause someone to think deeply about a topic or issue

  Example

  The book's complex themes and ideas provoked thought and discussion among readers.

Origins of provoke

from Old French 'provoker', from Latin 'provocare', from 'pro-' (in front of) + 'vocare' (to call)

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Summary: provoke in Brief

The verb 'provoke' [prəˈvəʊk] means to stimulate or give rise to a reaction or emotion, often a strong or unwelcome one, or to deliberately make someone annoyed or angry. It can be used in various contexts, such as 'The decision to close the factory provoked an angry response from the workers.' 'Provoke' can also be used in phrases like 'provoke laughter,' 'provoke a reaction,' and 'provoke thought.' Idioms like 'provoke a tiger' and 'provoke fate' denote actions that are likely to cause strong reactions or negative consequences.