provocation
Provocation (noun) means the act of deliberately annoying, angering, or inciting someone. Example: “He threw the first punch without any provocation at all.”
How to use provocation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that deliberately triggers anger, action, or conflict.
Word forms
provocations plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He threw the first punch without any _____ at all.
Etymology
From Old French provocacion, from Latin provocatio, from provocare, "to call forth, challenge" — the noun form of provoke.
Related words
Rhymes for provocation
Frequently asked questions
What does “provocation” mean?
The word “provocation” means the act of deliberately annoying, angering, or inciting someone. In plain terms, something that deliberately triggers anger, action, or conflict.
How do you pronounce “provocation”?
“Provocation” is pronounced pro-vuh-KAY-shuhn (/ˌpɹɑvəˈkeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “provocation” in a sentence?
Here is “provocation” used in a sentence: “He threw the first punch without any provocation at all.”
What part of speech is “provocation”?
“Provocation” is a noun.
Where does the word “provocation” come from?
The word “provocation” comes from Latin. From Old French provocacion, from Latin provocatio, from provocare, "to call forth, challenge" — the noun form of provoke.
Is “provocation” a common word?
“Provocation” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “provocation” have?
“Provocation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of deliberately annoying, angering, or inciting someone.