C2nounformalpoliticsconflict
US/ˌprɑː.vəˈkeɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌprɒv.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/
an action or statement meant to make someone angry or to cause a reaction
In context
The military exercise near the border was seen as a deliberate provocation.
He loses his temper at the slightest provocation.
The police said the protesters were attacked without provocation.
Words that go with provocation
noun + preposition
- without provocationThe dog bit the child without provocation.
- act of provocationThe missile test was condemned as an act of provocation.
adjective + noun
- deliberate provocationThe cartoon was a deliberate provocation.
- slightest provocationThe two neighbors argue at the slightest provocation.
verb + preposition
- respond to provocationLeaders urged the crowd not to respond to provocation.