Provoke

usgb/prəˈvəʊk/
verb

To make someone angry or annoyed.

His comments provoked a strong reaction from the audience.
Visual representation of "provoke" - To make someone angry or annoyed.

Often appears as...

  • provoke a reaction
  • provoke an argument
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "provoke"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Emotional Trigger

Provoke implies a deliberate act to elicit an emotional response, often negative.

Illustration for Emotional Trigger
Constant teasing provoked his temper.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Easily Misused

Avoid using 'provoke' when you mean 'cause' as 'provoke' specifies triggering emotions, not just causing.

Illustration for Easily Misused
The movie's ending provoked tears in the audience.
Visual representation of the word "Provoke"

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