— provoker , n.
/preuh vohk"/ , v.t., provoked, provoking .
1. to anger, enrage, exasperate, or vex.
2. to stir up, arouse, or call forth (feelings, desires, or activity): The mishap provoked a hearty laugh.
3. to incite or stimulate (a person, animal, etc.) to action.
4. to give rise to, induce, or bring about: What could have provoked such an incident?
5. Obs. to summon.
[ 1400-50; late ME provocare to call forth, challenge, provoke, equiv. to pro - PRO- 1 + vocare to call; akin to vox VOICE ]
Syn. 1. irk, annoy, aggravate, exacerbate, infuriate. See irritate. 2. rouse, instigate. 2, 3 . See incite .