provoke
verb (used with object)
to anger, enrage, exasperate, or vex.
was provoking
-
past progressiveof provoke.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He ruled that Martinez should have known he was provoking a crowd with contrary views about the conquistador statue after arriving with loaded, concealed weapons on his waist and in his car.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 7, 2023
The announcement was the first official statement from Tajikistan confirming that fighting between the government forces and Taliban militants in northern Afghanistan was provoking a fresh wave of civilian exodus from the area.
From Reuters ● Jul. 7, 2021
When he last returned to Israel to visit his mother more than a year ago, his size was provoking questions.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2021
Sometimes he was provoking, sometimes he believed what he was saying.
From Salon ● Oct. 14, 2020
A controversy on the boundary of Canada and the United States was provoking increasing bitterness on both sides of the Atlantic.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 5 English History by Various
