/ prəˈvəʊk; NAmE -ˈvoʊk/ verb
1.
[ vn ] to cause a particular reaction or have a particular effect :
The announcement provoked a storm of protest.
The article was intended to provoke discussion.
Dairy products may provoke allergic reactions in some people.
2.
provoke sb (into sth / into doing sth) to say or do sth that you know will annoy sb so that they react in an angry way
SYN goad :
[ vn ]
The lawyer claimed his client was provoked into acts of violence by the defendant.
Be careful what you say—he's easily provoked.
[also vn to inf ]
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (also in the sense invoke, summon ): from Old French provoquer , from Latin provocare challenge, from pro- forth + vocare to call.