Provoking

/prəˈvoʊkɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To stimulate or incite to action.

The activist was provoking the crowd to join the march for climate change.

To cause a particular feeling or reaction.

Her words were provoking a sense of guilt that he could not shake off.

adjective

Causing or likely to cause annoyance, anger, or strong reactions.

His provoking comments during the meeting led to heated discussions among the team.

Eliciting a strong emotional response or reaction.

The film had a provoking storyline that made the audience reflect on their own lives.

From Latin 'provocare', meaning 'to call out, challenge'.

provoking thoughts

Ideas that stimulate discussion or contemplation.

provoking reaction

Something that elicits an emotional response.

provoking behavior

Actions that are designed to elicit annoyance or anger.

provoke

To cause someone to take an action or feel an emotion.

provocation

The action of provoking someone.

provocateur

A person who provokes others deliberately.

Playing with emotions.

He's always provoking, trying to get a rise out of people.

Stirring the pot.

She loves provoking the group just for the fun of it.