C1verbpoliticsemotions
US/prəˈvoʊk/
UK/prəˈvəʊk/
to cause a strong reaction, especially anger; also to annoy someone on purpose so they react
In context
The new tax provoked angry protests across the country.
Don't let him provoke you; he just wants you to lose your temper.
The documentary is designed to provoke debate about fast fashion.
Words that go with provoke
verb + noun
- provoke a reactioncause someone to respondThe ad provoked a strong reaction on social media.
- provoke debatecause people to argue about a topicThe new law has provoked debate across the country.
- provoke angermake people feel angryHis rude comments provoked anger among the staff.
- provoke outragecause people to feel shocked and very angryThe decision provoked outrage among local residents.
- provoke criticismcause people to say it is badThe mayor's plan provoked criticism from all sides.
adverb + verb
- deliberately provokeannoy someone on purposeHe deliberately provoked his brother to start a fight.