provoked

American  

[pruh-vohkt] / prəˈvoʊkt /

adjective

1. angered or enraged.

   The boys continued to test out the improved model until it was destroyed by a provoked weasel.

   For all the hype, the “riot” was actually quite mild—just a few empty beer cans and some stones thrown by an already provoked crowd.

2. stirred up or aroused.

   The longtime columnist says that it helps to have an easily provoked sense of indignation.

   To avoid being eaten, a provoked pufferfish blows itself up into a spiny living balloon the size of a volleyball.

3. prompted or caused by some action, behavior, or circumstance; brought about, often deliberately.

   His laugh was a contagious, easily provoked chuckle.

   A provoked bite can occur when a person teases a dog or tries to take away the dog's food while the dog is eating.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of provoke.

Other Word Forms

• unprovoked
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of provoked

provoke ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The idea that single-sided tape measures are becoming obsolete has provoked skepticism, starting with devotees of Stanley’s products.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

But since footage of the incident has spread online, some have questioned whether the wrong person ended up in handcuffs, alleging it was Niemi who provoked the attack.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

However, their report has also provoked a vicious backlash from equally esteemed scientists who label it as fundamentally flawed.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Or maybe you think about the brutal reaction his work provoked from conservatives.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

His death provoked a national outcry and massive sympathy marches in cities across the North.

From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman

Related Words

• incensed