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

They claimed the project was an "artistic provocation", not a trick, but many fans felt betrayed.

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These gloves were not for wearing, but for challenging people to duels at the slightest provocation, or for no reason at all.

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“China’s domestic propaganda has stated that Taiwan’s ‘provocations’ could justify military action in the near future,” the panel wrote in the report.

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“China’s domestic propaganda has stated that Taiwan’s ‘provocations’ could justify military action in the near future,” the panel wrote in the report.

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In October, a US guided missile destroyer docked at Trinidad for four days for another round of practice drills -- within firing range of Venezuela, whose government called it a "provocation."

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Related Words

• affront 
• harassment 
• indignity 
• insult