Meaning & use
provoke
To stimulate or incite a strong reaction, especially anger or another emotion, through one's actions or words.
See it in a sentence
The referee's controversial call provoked outrage among the home team's fans.
Her question was meant to provoke discussion rather than to offend anyone.
A note on using this word
Provoke can describe deliberately angering someone, as in 'provoke a fight,' or simply prompting a reaction, as in 'provoke thought,' so its tone ranges from hostile to neutral depending on context.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
calmsoothe
Make it your own
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