provocation

American  

[prov-uh-key-shuhn] / ˌprɒv əˈkeɪ ʃən /

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.

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provocation British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of provocation

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

Even having made two single-season streaming series in the interim, he has seemingly been missing in action, the absence of his visual flair, bent humor and taste for provocation leaving an empty space in theaters.

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement on Monday, the Royal Thai Army said Cambodia's actions "constitute provocation and a violation of measures aimed at reducing tensions", adding that they were "inconsistent" with the terms of the ceasefire.

From BBC

"Such actions constitute provocation and a violation of measures aimed at reducing tensions, which are inconsistent with the Joint Statement agreed" during a bilateral border committee meeting on Saturday, it added.

From Barron's

These guarantees would be “considered void” if Ukraine “invades Russia or opens fire at Russian territory without provocation,” the Kyiv Independent reports.

From The Wall Street Journal

Russian private military contractors in the Central African Republic told AFP they took any threats to the upcoming elections in the volatile country "extremely seriously" and were ready to "repel any provocations".

From Barron's

Related Words

• affront
• harassment
• indignity
• insult