provocation
the act of provoking.
something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates.
Criminal Law. words or conduct leading to killing in hot passion and without deliberation.
Origin of provocation
1Other words from provocation
- prov·o·ca·tion·al, adjective
- non·prov·o·ca·tion, noun
- o·ver·prov·o·ca·tion, noun
- pre·prov·o·ca·tion, noun
Words Nearby provocation
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use provocation in a sentence
It’s a provocation to reinvent the process of AI development to include those who ultimately become subject to the algorithms.
Five ways to make AI a greater force for good in 2021 | Karen Hao | January 8, 2021 | MIT Technology ReviewThe boundaries between the digital and analog all but disappeared as rage, provocation and gloating bounced back and forth, again and again.
‘Nothing can stop what’s coming’: Far-right forums that fomented Capitol riots voice glee in aftermath | Craig Timberg, Drew Harwell, Razzan Nakhlawi, Harrison Smith | January 7, 2021 | Washington PostLuther became a conservative darling this spring for her provocation, spending two days in custody on contempt of court charges.
Restrictions on the South Texas Border Were Meant to Protect People From COVID-19. Then the Handcuffs Came Out. | by Vianna Davila and Ren Larson | December 19, 2020 | ProPublicaThat she praised Graham’s oversight of the process, and then got up and hugged him, was simply the final provocation for many liberals.
Feinstein hugs and praises Lindsey Graham, sparking an outcry from liberals: ‘Time to retire’ | Teo Armus | October 16, 2020 | Washington PostAs my Vox colleague Jane Coaston pointed out, Miller delights in provocation for provocation’s sake.
And then he went on a tear in early 2013, creating one provocation after another, seemingly every day for more than two months.
Without any evidence or provocation, she attacks Swamp Thing—and then gets beaten in the only fight she has in the issue.
The provocation is likely to end any hesitation in Britain over launching strikes against ISIS in Iraq.
ISIS Murder of British Hostage Likely to Draw UK Deeper Into New War | Nico Hines | September 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe provocation of a severe asthma attack after a cold is a well-known and well-traveled path to serious illness.
Midwest's 'Mystery Virus' Is Scary but Not Deadly | Kent Sepkowitz | September 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTNone were killed and Ukraine called the incident an attempt at a provocation.
Ukrainian Troops Retreat From Russian Border, Leaving 100 Kilometers Open to Invasion | Pierre Vaux | August 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTNever, upon any account, or under any provocation, return rudeness by rudeness.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness | Florence HartleyOne thing is certain: Robert was in no aggressive mood, and would not have resumed hostilities without really serious provocation.
King Robert the Bruce | A. F. MurisonPerhaps they killed under great provocation, in the heat of passion.
Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist | Alexander BerkmanThe tremendous armies and monstrous navies have become far more a provocation and danger than a defense.
Ways of War and Peace | Delia AustrianFrances swallowed down a lump in her throat, which was far too apt to come there on small provocation.
Robin Redbreast | Mary Louisa Molesworth
British Dictionary definitions for provocation
/ (ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən) /
the act of provoking or inciting
something that causes indignation, anger, etc
English criminal law words or conduct that incite a person to attack another
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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