Meaning of provoke in English

1. Pronunciation

   /prəˈvoʊk/

   US accent

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   provoke

   Etymology

   late Middle English (also in the sense ‘invoke, summon’): from Old French provoquer, from Latin provocare‘challenge’, from pro-‘forth’ + vocare‘to call’

   Definitions

   1. call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

   Examples

   • « arouse pity »
   • « raise a smile »
   • « evoke sympathy »
2. 2. call forth

   Examples

   • « Her behavior provoked a quarrel between the couple »
3. 3. provide the needed stimulus for
4. 4. annoy continually or chronically

   Examples

   • « He is known to harry his staff when he is overworked »
   • « This man harasses his female co-workers »