Meaning & Definition of word "Provoking"
Provoking
/prəˈvoʊkɪŋ/
verb:
- 1. To stimulate or incite to action.
- Example: The activist was provoking the crowd to join the march for climate change.
- 2. To cause a particular feeling or reaction.
- Example: Her words were provoking a sense of guilt that he could not shake off.
adjective:
- 1. Causing or likely to cause annoyance, anger, or strong reactions.
- Example: His provoking comments during the meeting led to heated discussions among the team.
- 2. Eliciting a strong emotional response or reaction.
- Example: The film had a provoking storyline that made the audience reflect on their own lives.
Etymology
●From Latin 'provocare', meaning 'to call out, challenge'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of provoking
Meaning: Playing with emotions.
● Example Sentence: He's always provoking, trying to get a rise out of people.
Meaning: Stirring the pot.
● Example Sentence: She loves provoking the group just for the fun of it.