provocation

[prov-uh-key-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of provoking. provoking.

2. something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates.

3. Criminal Law.,  words or conduct leading to killing in hot passion and without deliberation.

provocation

/ ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of provoking or inciting

2. something that causes indignation, anger, etc

3. English criminal law words or conduct that incite a person to attack another

Other Word Forms

• provocational adjective
• nonprovocation noun
• overprovocation noun
• preprovocation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of provocation¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin prōvocātiōn- (stem of prōvocātiō ) a calling forth, equivalent to prōvocāt ( us ) (past participle of prōvocāre to provoke; -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Yet, instead of recognising that courage, much of the public reads it as provocation.

From BBC

The GSF called Israel's interceptions illegal, while Israel described the flotilla's actions as a "provocation".

From BBC

The rapid descent into delusion in the name of unmitigated cruelty and hollow provocation would be laughable if it weren’t terrifying at the same time.

From Salon

The Russian embassy in Copenhagen has denied "absurd speculations" of its involvement in what it described as "staged provocations".

From BBC

Moscow "firmly rejects" any involvement and its embassy in Copenhagen has denounced the incidents as "staged provocation".

From BBC

Related Words

• affront 
• harassment 
• indignity 
• insult