Definition

Noun: 1. An action or event that deliberately causes anger, annoyance, or strong feeling: Something said or done to make someone react, often with anger or irritation. 2. The act of provoking someone or something: The action of deliberately trying to cause a reaction. 3. (Law) Action or speech held to be likely to cause an ordinary person to react violently: In a legal context, it refers to an act that might cause a reasonable person to lose self-control.

Usage

• The word "provocation" is a countable noun. You can have or .
• It is often used with verbs like , , , , and .
• Common prepositions used with it are (provocation to anger), (a reason for provocation), and (acting without provocation).

Examples

1. As a cause for reaction:

   • The insult was a deliberate provocation.
   • He remained calm despite severe provocation.
   • The soldier was trained not to fire without direct provocation.

2. In a legal or formal context:

   • The defense argued that the crime was committed under extreme provocation.
   • Her constant teasing was seen as sufficient provocation for his angry response.

Advanced Usage

• Under provocation: Describes the state of being provoked. >
• Act of provocation: A formal phrase emphasizing a specific provocative action. >

Variants and Related Words

• Provocative (adjective): Causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately. (e.g., )
• Provoke (verb): To stimulate or give rise to a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Incitement: The action of provoking unlawful behavior or urging someone to behave in an unlawful way.
• Goading: Provoking or annoying someone to stimulate a reaction.
• Irritant: Something that causes irritation or annoyance.
• Affront: An action or remark that causes outrage or offense.

Antonyms

• Pacification: The action of calming someone or ending conflict.
• Deterrent: A thing that discourages or prevents a particular action.
• Pleasantry: An amusing or polite remark made to put someone at ease.

Idioms and Phrases

• Without provocation: For no apparent reason; not caused by any action from others. >
• Rise above the provocation: To not allow oneself to be upset or angered by someone's attempts to provoke. >

Noun

1. needed encouragement
   • the result was a provocation of vigorous investigation
2. something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action
3. unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment