provocation

[prov-uh-key-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of provoking. provoking.

2. something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates.

3. Criminal Law.,  words or conduct leading to killing in hot passion and without deliberation.

provocation

/ ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of provoking or inciting

2. something that causes indignation, anger, etc

3. English criminal law words or conduct that incite a person to attack another

Other Word Forms

• provocational adjective
• nonprovocation noun
• overprovocation noun
• preprovocation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of provocation¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin prōvocātiōn- (stem of prōvocātiō ) a calling forth, equivalent to prōvocāt ( us ) (past participle of prōvocāre to provoke; -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

What makes more sense is that this is really a provocation to try to get Venezuela to attack one of the warships and set off a regime-change operation.

From Salon

Banowsky’s film is a love letter to the process of provocation, the kind of thoughtful, challenging art that demands time and handmade effort.

From Salon

He killed a man in a fight when he was 18 and was jailed for two-and-a-half-years after being convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of provocation.

From BBC

Pyongyang responded by accusing Seoul of a "deliberate provocation".

From BBC

North Korean state media called the shots a "deliberate provocation" and Pyongyang has accused Seoul of risking "uncontrollable" tensions.

From BBC

Related Words

• affront 
• harassment 
• indignity 
• insult