provokes

4 definitions • 8 examples

to cause a reaction, especially a negative one:

The prospect of increased prices has already provoked an outcry.

Test results provoked worries that the reactor could overheat.

to make or try to make a person or an animal angry:

It was a vicious-looking dog and I didn't want to provoke it.

He was clearly trying to get at me but I refused to be provoked.

I was provoked into the argument.

to try to make a person or an animal angry or annoyed:

He was trying to provoke me into a fight.

to cause a particular reaction or feeling:

I’m trying to make people think, provoke their emotions.

His death provoked huge demonstrations.