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provoke
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pro·voke

provoke

 
 
pronunciation:
pr vok
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: provokes, provoking, provoked
definition 1: to incite (a person) to anger, annoyance, deep emotion, or action.
I'd never seen my father this angry, and I wondered what had provoked him.By these demonstrations, they hoped to provoke politicians into taking action.She needs complete rest, and hearing this news will only provoke her.
synonyms:
agitate, anger, excite, irk, move, rile, stir, vex
antonyms:
allay, appease, calm, conciliate, placate, propitiate
similar words:
actuate, bait, enrage, exasperate, fire up, impel, incense, incite, induce, infuriate, motivate, needle, nettle, prompt, rouse, work
definition 2: to arouse or bring out.
The speech provoked anger in the audience.The final scene provoked tears.The intense music provokes a feeling of excitement.
synonyms:
excite, inflame, inspire, kindle, move, stimulate, stir up
antonyms:
allay
similar words:
arouse, awaken, galvanize, rouse
definition 3: to cause or incite as a reaction.
The play provoked much criticism.His comments provoked a violent quarrel among the listeners.
synonyms:
cause, excite, foment, foster, generate, inspire, instigate
antonyms:
deter
similar words:
activate, actuate, effect, incite, occasion, pick, produce, prompt, stir, yield
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derivations: provokingly (adv.), provoker (n.)
Word Explorer
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  anger, behavior, emotion
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