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provoke

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /prəˈvoʊk/ · UK /prəˈvəʊk/

Forms: provoking, provoked

provoke means: To cause a feeling, action, or response, especially a strong or unpleasant one.

verb

CAUSE A REACTIONB2

To cause a feeling, action, or response, especially a strong or unpleasant one.

  • The news provoked a strong reaction.
  • Her speech provoked a lively debate about housing.
  • The announcement has provoked protests across the country.

How to use it: provoke something (The decision provoked widespread criticism.); provoke someone into doing something (The question provoked him into revealing the truth.); provoke someone to do something (The incident provoked residents to demand safer streets.)

Similar words: cause, trigger, prompt

Common phrases: provoke a reaction, provoke debate, provoke someone into something

MAKE ANGRYB2

To make someone angry or annoyed, often on purpose.

  • Please do not provoke him.
  • Her remarks provoked the other guests.
  • Are you trying to provoke me?

How to use it: provoke someone into doing something (His insults provoked her into shouting.)

Similar words: annoy, anger, irritate

Opposites: calm

Common phrases: provoke someone, deliberately provoke someone

Questions about provoke

What does provoke mean?

To cause a feeling, action, or response, especially a strong or unpleasant one.

What is provoke in other languages?

Türkçe: yol açmak · Español: provocar · Français: provoquer · Deutsch: auslösen · Italiano: provocare · 日本語: 引き起こす

How do you pronounce provoke?

In American English /prəˈvoʊk/; in British English /prəˈvəʊk/.

How do you use provoke in a sentence?

The news provoked a strong reaction. Her speech provoked a lively debate about housing.

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provoke in other languages

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