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DictionaryprovokeCausing a reaction
verb

provoke

pruh-VOHK/prəˈvəʊk/

To trigger a strong reaction, often deliberately.

The repeated poking provokes an irritated reaction.

One adult repeatedly pokes another's shoulder despite irritated expression, clearly causing annoyance, nonviolent.
Etymology
proLatinforth
+vokeLatinto call

To provoke is historically to “call forth” or challenge. The idea broadened to stimulating a response, so causing anger is one application of a verb also used for inducing bodily reactions.

In context

Verity Baptist19:10
they're not to provoke their children to wrath
Colossians 3 (Part 3) | Pastor Jared Pozarnsky

More examples

  • The remark provoked debate.
  • They are provoking unnecessary arguments.
  • The discovery had provoked renewed interest.

Forms

provoke · provokes · provoked · provoking

Similar words

trigger
Trigger need not imply deliberate intent.
incite
Incite often means encouraging action, especially harmful action.