provocation
pro-vuh-KAY-shuhn
Provocation (noun) means the act of deliberately annoying, angering, or inciting someone. Example: “He threw the first punch without any provocation at all.”
noun
1
The act of deliberately annoying, angering, or inciting someone.
"He threw the first punch without any provocation at all."
"Her comment was clearly meant as a provocation."
2
Something said or done that provokes a strong reaction.
"The border incursion was seen as a deliberate provocation."
How to use provocation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that deliberately triggers anger, action, or conflict.
Common pairings
without provocation
act of provocation
deliberate provocation
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Word forms
- Plural
- provocations
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
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all 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.
