provocation

noun

prov·​o·​ca·​tion ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of provoking : incitement

2

: something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates

Synonyms of provocation

• excitement
• stimulus
• encouragement
• stimulation
• motivation

Examples of provocation in a Sentence

He can turn violent at the least provocation.

Her calmness in the face of repeated provocations impressed her friends.

With hardly any provocation, the crowd began to chant.

Recent Examples on the Web

The provocations are garnering Hilton plenty of attention though probably not winning him very many new votes. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Slam Frank’s provocations, however, are leavened by Fox’s genuine skill with and respect for musical theater. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

What matters are the peacemakers, and the true tension of the series rests in their decisions to either respond to provocation in kind or to respond to provocation with kindness. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2026

To reduce the social and political payoff of disruptive protest, the most effective approach is generally to deny the provocation the reaction it was designed to produce. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English provocacioun, from Anglo-French provocacion, from Latin provocation-, provocatio, from provocare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for provocation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

provocation

noun

prov·​o·​ca·​tion ˌpräv-ə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of provoking

2

: something that provokes

Medical Definition

provocation

noun

prov·​o·​ca·​tion ˌpräv-ə-ˈkā-shən 

: the act or process of provoking

a nonspecific irritant that brings about provocation of bronchial asthma

Legal Definition

provocation

noun

prov·​o·​ca·​tion ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of provoking

2

: something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates