noun
provocation
pro-vuh-KAY-shuhn
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
Word Forms
provocations plural
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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.