provoke

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitivedisapproving

   To deliberately anger or upset someone by words, actions, or pressure.

   Grammar: Takes an object; can be followed by into doing: provoke him into answering.

   Patterns

   • provoke someone
   • provoke someone into doing something
   • provoke anger in someone

   He tried to provoke his rival with insults during the debate.

   Constant teasing can provoke a child into tears.

   The headline seemed designed to provoke anger online.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To cause a strong reaction, feeling, event, or period of discussion without necessarily intending anger.

   Grammar: Object is often a noun like thought, debate, questions, or response: provoke discussion.

   Patterns

   • provoke thought
   • provoke debate
   • provoke a response
   • provoke questions

   The documentary provoked thoughtful conversation at school.

   The tax plan provoked protests across the city.

   Her remark provoked a wave of questions from reporters.

3. 3verbtransitivemedicaltechnical

   To trigger a measurable bodily or biological reaction, such as pain, an immune response, or a seizure.

   Grammar: Used in medical or scientific writing with a response as the object.

   Patterns

   • provoke a response
   • provoke symptoms
   • provoke a reaction

   Bright light can provoke migraines in some patients.

   The test provoked an immune response in the samples.

   Certain foods may provoke stomach cramps in sensitive children.

Word forms

Common combinations

provoke anger

The unfair decision provoked anger among the workers.

provoke thought

The novel is short but it provokes thought about fairness.

provoke debate

The new schedule provoked debate in every department.

provoke someone into doing something

His mocking tone provoked her into leaving the room.

provoke a reaction

The experiment was careful not to provoke a reaction too quickly.

Synonyms and how they differ

irritate

Irritate means to annoy, often mildly or repeatedly; provoke can aim at a stronger reaction.

incite

Incite suggests urging people toward action, especially disorder; provoke can be aimed at one person or a response.

trigger

Trigger focuses on setting something off, neutrally; provoke often adds hostility or strong emotion.

elicit

Elicit means drawing out a response or information, more formal and without anger.

Opposites

Word family

provocation noun

An action or words that cause anger or a reaction.

provocative adjective

Likely to cause anger, argument, or strong interest.

provocatively adverb

In a way intended to challenge or upset.

Commonly confused: provoke or evoke?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “provoke”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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