PROVOKE


Meaning of PROVOKE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ prə-ˈvōk ]

transitive verb

( pro·voked ; pro·vok·ing )

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French * provoker, provocher , from Latin provocare, from pro- forth + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice — more at pro- , voice

Date: 14th century

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

provoke laughter

b. : to stir up purposely

provoke a fight

c. : to provide the needed stimulus for

will provoke a lot of discussion

• pro·vok·er noun

Synonyms:

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

Synonym: see in addition irritate .

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.