provoke
verb (used with object)
to anger, enrage, exasperate, or vex.
have provoked
-
present perfectof provoke.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.
Christophe Sanson, who calls himself the Noise Lawyer, said his firm has more than 100 cases involving air conditioning systems that have provoked legal wars, a sharp increase.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026
Each step normalizes the next, until practices that would once have provoked universal outrage become accepted as routine.
From Salon ● Jan. 17, 2026
Those last data points have provoked the city’s mayor, Shelley Berkley, to engage in some emergency diplomacy.
From Slate ● Nov. 18, 2025
His earlier comments have provoked criticism from opposition politicians.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2025
In a move that must have provoked Cleopatra, Caesar agreed to spare Arsinoe’s life.
From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby
