noun

provocation

prah-vuh-KAY-shun/ˌprɑːvəˈkeɪʃn/

Conduct that provokes a strong emotional reaction.

Knocking over the carefully stacked blocks is a deliberate provocation.

Adult deliberately knocks another person's carefully stacked blocks over, causing visible anger, restrained nonviolent scene.

Etymology

proLatinforth

+vocLatinto call

+ationLatinaction or process

A “calling forth” could be a summons or challenge, hence an incitement to react. Provocation came to name both the act of exciting anger and the thing that causes it.

In context

Moral Politics Experts0:08

What strategies keep ethical protests nonviolent under provocation? Imagine standing peacefully in a crowd, facing angry officials or hostile onlookers, yet choosing to stay calm and nonviolent.

What Strategies Keep Ethical Protests Non-violent Under Provocation? - Moral Politics Experts

More examples

He starts arguments without any provocation.
Repeated provocations make it hard for her to stay polite.
The defense cites the threats as provocation, seeking a reduced charge.

Forms

provocation · provocations

provoke verb — To cause a strong reaction, especially anger.

provocative adjective — Intended or likely to stir strong reactions.

Similar words

taunt: A mocking remark meant to anger or challenge someone.
insult: An offensive remark or act, whether or not it provokes anger.
incitement: Emphasizes urging someone to act, rather than merely stirring emotion.