provocation

noun

prov·​o·​ca·​tion ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of provoking : incitement

2

: something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates

Synonyms

• excitement
• incitation
• incitement
• instigation

Examples of provocation in a Sentence

He can turn violent at the least provocation.

Her calmness in the face of repeated provocations impressed her friends.

With hardly any provocation, the crowd began to chant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Without the requisite thought and care, though, those themes land as empty provocation, or — as is the case here — a cheap narrative shortcut. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025

Christians face constant provocation, and there is a widespread sense of insecurity. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025

And there is one more tool always available to Trump’s critics on the continent: provocation. —Rob Picheta, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025

Every few seconds of the album, some new provocation hits the ear: Maybe the beat switches, or Carti’s collaborator DJ Swamp Izzo shouts his own name, or a verse stops a few syllables earlier than expected. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English provocacioun, from Anglo-French provocacion, from Latin provocation-, provocatio, from provocare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for provocation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

provocation

noun

prov·​o·​ca·​tion ˌpräv-ə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of provoking

2

: something that provokes

Medical Definition

provocation

noun

prov·​o·​ca·​tion ˌpräv-ə-ˈkā-shən 

: the act or process of provoking

a nonspecific irritant that brings about provocation of bronchial asthma

Legal Definition

provocation

noun

prov·​o·​ca·​tion ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of provoking

2

: something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates