Provoking
/prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo intentionally cause a strong emotional response or action in someone.
/prəˈvəʊk/
To deliberately cause a reaction or feeling.
The teacher's comments were intended to provoke a discussion.
💡 Simply: Provoking is like when you say or do something that makes someone else react strongly, like getting angry or excited. Like when you tease your friend and then they start laughing.
👶 For kids: To make someone mad or upset on purpose.
More Examples
His remarks were designed to provoke a reaction from his rivals.
The inflammatory article provoked outrage among readers.
The defendant's aggressive behavior during the trial provoked a sense of unease.
How It's Used
"The politician's speech was designed to provoke the opposing party."
"Therapists may help patients to provoke memories of past experiences."
Causing annoyance, anger, or some other strong negative feeling.
/prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/
Causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction.
The provocative speech drew considerable criticism.
💡 Simply: When something is provoking, it means it makes you feel annoyed, angry, or upset. Like when you step on someone's foot, they might say, 'That's so provoking!'
👶 For kids: Something that makes you annoyed or upset.
More Examples
The provocative behavior resulted in disciplinary action.
His actions were clearly a provoking display.
It was a provoking situation that led to a heated argument.
How It's Used
"The judge called the attack on his character a 'provoking display'."
"Her provoking attitude often led to arguments."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
provoke a response
To cause an immediate reaction, typically verbal or emotional.
"The announcement was designed to provoke a response from the community."
provoke thought
To stimulate reflection or consideration.
"The artist's work aimed to provoke thought about social issues."
From Latin *provocare* ('to call forth, challenge'), from *pro-* ('forth, forward') + *vocare* ('to call').
The word 'provoke' and its derivatives have been used for centuries, with a core meaning of 'calling forth' or 'inciting.' Early examples reflect this in both legal and philosophical contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a bullfighter: They provoke the bull to anger, making it charge.
Word Origin
"to call forth, challenge"