provoke
verb (used with object)
to anger, enrage, exasperate, or vex.
has provoked
-
present perfectof provoke (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
South Korea hit e-commerce giant Coupang with a record $408 million fine Thursday over a leak that allegedly exposed more than 30 million customers' data and has provoked the ire of US lawmakers.
From Barron's ● Jun. 11, 2026
It is, admittedly, hard to reconcile the fact that something so unambiguously tasteless has provoked this confrontation.
From Slate ● Apr. 13, 2026
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 ● Feb. 6, 2026
The long-term rise in beef prices has provoked market participants into a spate of finger-pointing, not all of which is groundless.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 19, 2025
The recent proliferation on the slopes of Everest of latter-day Wilsons and Denmans—marginally qualified dreamers like some of my cohorts—is a phenomenon that has provoked strong criticism.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
