provoked

American  

[pruh-vohkt] / prəˈvoʊkt /

adjective

1. angered or enraged.

   The boys continued to test out the improved model until it was destroyed by a provoked weasel.

   For all the hype, the “riot” was actually quite mild—just a few empty beer cans and some stones thrown by an already provoked crowd.

2. stirred up or aroused.

   The longtime columnist says that it helps to have an easily provoked sense of indignation.

   To avoid being eaten, a provoked pufferfish blows itself up into a spiny living balloon the size of a volleyball.

3. prompted or caused by some action, behavior, or circumstance; brought about, often deliberately.

   His laugh was a contagious, easily provoked chuckle.

   A provoked bite can occur when a person teases a dog or tries to take away the dog's food while the dog is eating.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of provoke.

Other Word Forms

• unprovoked adjective

Etymology

Origin of provoked

provoke ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The proximate causes at times seem minor relative to the reactions they’ve provoked in the market.

From MarketWatch

The gesture provoked a seismic reaction internationally while infuriating Olympic officials who claimed Smith and Carlos used the world stage to humiliate their home country.

From Los Angeles Times

His statement provoked a strong reaction from the campus's student collective, which is threatening to sue him for defamation.

From Barron's

The adrenalin, frustration and anger provoked by recent days was visible publicly, which is rare for Sir Keir.

From BBC

The arrest of medical workers has provoked outrage among Iranians and prompted the Medical Council to demand security for people working in healthcare.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• incensed