provoke

verb

pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk How to pronounce provoke (audio)
provoked; provoking
Synonyms of provoke

transitive verb

1
a
: to call forth (a feeling, an action, etc.) : evoke
provoke laughter
b
: to stir up purposely
provoke a fight
c
: to provide the needed stimulus for
will provoke a lot of discussion
2
a
: to incite to anger
b
archaic : to arouse to a feeling or action
provoker noun

Synonyms of provoke

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provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking.

provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

synonyms see in addition irritate

Examples of provoke in a Sentence

His remarks provoked both tears and laughter. He just says those things because he's trying to provoke you. The animal will not attack unless it is provoked.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was no depth to it, no hint of recognition of the horror that had provoked it. — Will MacKin, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Introducing such evidence can provoke sympathy for the defendant and distrust towards the prosecuting attorney, potentially undermining the case. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Historic high temperatures in 2003, surpassed this time, were blamed for 15,000 deaths, provoking a national reckoning about care of older people, who were particularly hard-hit. — ABC News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for provoke

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French *provoker, provocher, from Latin provocare, from pro- forth + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice — more at pro-, voice

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of provoke was in the 14th century

Rhymes for provoke

See All Rhymes for provoke

Browse Nearby Words

provocatory
provoke
provoking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provoke. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

provoke

verb
pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk How to pronounce provoke (audio)
provoked; provoking
1
: to excite to anger
2
: to stir up : bring about
provoke an argument
Etymology

Middle English provoken "to arouse to strong feeling or action," from early French provoquer (same meaning), from Latin provocare "to call forth, stir up," from pro- "forth, forward" and vocare "to call" — related to advocate, revoke, vocation

Medical Definition

provoke

transitive verb
pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk How to pronounce provoke (audio)
provoked; provoking
: to induce (a physical reaction)
ipecac provokes vomiting

Legal Definition

provoke

transitive verb
pro·​voke prə-ˈvōk How to pronounce provoke (audio)
provoked; provoking
1
: to incite to anger
2
: to provide the needed stimulus for
provoker noun

More from Merriam-Webster on provoke

Nglish: Translation of provoke for Spanish Speakers

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