Provoked
/prəˈvoʊkt/
Definitions
To incite, stimulate, or give rise to a feeling, action, or state.
/prəˈvoʊkt/
To deliberately cause a reaction or emotion in someone.
The comedian's jokes provoked laughter from the audience.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to make your friend laugh, and you say something silly. If you're successful, you've provoked laughter! It means you caused a reaction, whether it's anger, laughter, or even just thought.
👶 For kids: To make someone do something by saying or doing something. Like, if you make someone angry, you've provoked them.
More Examples
Her comments provoked a strong reaction from her opponent.
The teacher's question was designed to provoke critical thinking.
The dog barked to provoke a response from the stranger.
How It's Used
"His rude behavior provoked a heated argument."
"Researchers studied how certain stimuli provoke aggressive responses."
"The dictator's actions were designed to provoke a military response."
Idioms & expressions
provoke the ire of someone
To make someone very angry.
"His constant complaining provoked the ire of his colleagues."
provoke a response
To cause an immediate reaction, typically verbal or emotional.
"The announcement was designed to provoke a response from the community."
From Latin *provocare* meaning "to call forth, challenge, or incite," from *pro-* (forth) + *vocare* (to call).
The word 'provoke' has been used in English since the 14th century and initially encompassed the idea of calling someone forth or challenging them to an action. It later developed the meaning of inciting or angering.
Memory tip
Think of a fire; to provoke is to throw the match, starting the flames.
Word Origin
"to call forth, challenge, incite"