provoking

American  

[pruh-voh-king] / prəˈvoʊ kɪŋ /

adjective

1. serving to provoke; causing annoyance.

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Other Word Forms

• provokingly adverb
• unprovoking adjective
• unprovokingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of provoking

First recorded in 1520–30; provoke + -ing ²

Example Sentences

"We will act responsibly, without escalating the conflict or provoking disputes," Lai said in a Facebook post.

From Barron's

But he said Taipei would "act responsibly, without escalating the conflict or provoking disputes".

From Barron's

Around the world, the plinks and pops of pickleball have spawned outrage, provoking protests and even lawsuits.

From Barron's

Tehran is also wary of provoking the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Milliken, backed by the UC regents, resisted calls for confrontation, wary of provoking retaliation against the nine other system campuses also under investigation.

From Salon