provoke

verb

pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk 

provoked; provoking

transitive verb

1

a

: to call forth (a feeling, an action, etc.) : evoke

provoke laughter

b

: to stir up purposely

provoke a fight

c

: to provide the needed stimulus for

will provoke a lot of discussion

2

a

: to incite to anger

b

archaic : to arouse to a feeling or action

provoker noun

Synonyms

• arouse
• encourage
• excite
• fire (up)
• impassion
• incite
• instigate
• move
• pique
• rev (up)
• spark
• stimulate
• stir

Choose the Right Synonym for provoke

provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking.

provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

synonyms see in addition irritate

Examples of provoke in a Sentence

His remarks provoked both tears and laughter.

He just says those things because he's trying to provoke you.

The animal will not attack unless it is provoked.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the bigger picture here is that media, entertainment and tech companies are facing a pivotal moment in the second Trump era, and many are choosing to try to placate the new administration rather than provoke more ire. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025

The new policies have created fears in the immigrant communities across the U.S., and provoked criticism from regional leaders who have long criticized the U.S. for sending back migrants, especially those accused of committing crimes in the U.S. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025

Their departures have provoked consternation among the fanbase. —Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025

Helly bursts out laughing at the tale and provokes an angry, marshmallow-burning reaction from Milchick. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French *provoker, provocher, from Latin provocare, from pro- forth + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice — more at pro-, voice

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Kids Definition

provoke

verb

pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk 

provoked; provoking

1

: to excite to anger

2

: to stir up : bring about

provoke an argument

Etymology

Middle English provoken "to arouse to strong feeling or action," from early French provoquer (same meaning), from Latin provocare "to call forth, stir up," from pro- "forth, forward" and vocare "to call" — related to advocate, revoke, vocation

Medical Definition

provoke

transitive verb

pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk 

provoked; provoking

: to induce (a physical reaction)

ipecac provokes vomiting

Legal Definition

provoke

transitive verb

pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk 

provoked; provoking

1

: to incite to anger

2

: to provide the needed stimulus for

provoker noun