provoke

UK: /prəˈvəʊk/ | US: /prəˈvoʊk/

Definition

  1. vt. to deliberately make someone angry or annoyed

  2. vt. to cause a strong reaction or emotion

  3. vt. to incite someone to take action

Structure
pro <forward>voke <call>pro <forward>voke <call>
Etymology

The word "provoke" originates from Latin provocare, combining pro- ("forward") and vocare ("to call"). It originally meant "to call forth" or "challenge," evolving into its modern sense of inciting anger or action. The logic is clear: to "call forward" someone's emotions or reactions.

Examples

  1. His rude comments provoked an angry response.

  2. The controversial article provoked widespread debate.

  3. She didn’t mean to provoke him with her criticism.

  4. The protest was provoked by unfair policies.

  5. A good leader knows how to provoke thought without causing conflict.