[pro.voke] vt pro.voked ; pro.vok.ing [ME, fr. MF provoquer, fr. L provocare, fr. pro- forth + vocare to call, fr. voc-, vox voice--more at pro-, voice] (14c) 1 a archaic: to arouse to a feeling or action b: to incite to anger
2. a: to call forth (as a feeling or action): evoke "~ laughter" b: to stir up purposely "~ a fight" c: to provide the needed stimulus for "will ~ a lot of discussion" -- pro.vok.er n syn provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking. provoke directs attention to the response called forth "my stories usually provoke laughter". excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly "news that excited anger and frustration". stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference "stimulating conversation". pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge "that remark piqued my interest". quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively "the high salary quickened her desire to have the job". syn see in addition irritate