provocation

[ prov-uh-key-shuh n ]

/ ˌprɒv əˈkeɪ ʃən /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR provocation ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act of provoking.

something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates.

Criminal Law. words or conduct leading to killing in hot passion and without deliberation.

Origin of provocation

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin prōvocātiōn- (stem of prōvocātiō) a calling forth, equivalent to prōvocāt(us) (past participle of prōvocāre to provoke; see -ate¹) + -iōn- -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM provocation

prov·o·ca·tion·al, adjective non·prov·o·ca·tion, noun o·ver·prov·o·ca·tion, noun pre·prov·o·ca·tion, noun

Words nearby provocation

provitamin, provitamin a, provitamin d2, provo, provocateur, provocation, provocative, provoke, provoking, provolone, provost

Example sentences from the Web for provocation

And then he went on a tear in early 2013, creating one provocation after another, seemingly every day for more than two months.

Kim Jong Un’s Kid Gloves Are Now Off |Gordon G. Chang |December 17, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Without any evidence or provocation, she attacks Swamp Thing—and then gets beaten in the only fight she has in the issue.

Wonder Woman Takes a Big Step Back |Hugh Ryan |December 16, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The provocation is likely to end any hesitation in Britain over launching strikes against ISIS in Iraq.

ISIS Murder of British Hostage Likely to Draw UK Deeper Into New War |Nico Hines |September 13, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The provocation of a severe asthma attack after a cold is a well-known and well-traveled path to serious illness.

Midwest's 'Mystery Virus' Is Scary but Not Deadly |Kent Sepkowitz |September 8, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

None were killed and Ukraine called the incident an attempt at a provocation.

Ukrainian Troops Retreat From Russian Border, Leaving 100 Kilometers Open to Invasion |Pierre Vaux |August 12, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Does she really think me such a wretch as to cause Ovid, under any provocation, a moment's anxiety while he is away?

Heart and Science |Wilkie Collins
Harden not your heart as in the provocation in the day of temptation in the wilderness.

The Expositor's Bible: The First Book of Samuel |W. G. Blaikie
Mr. Null, professionally and personally, was incapable of stepping beyond his own narrow limits, under any provocation whatever.

Heart and Science |Wilkie Collins
He knew perfectly well he was incapable of killing a man in cold blood, no matter what the provocation.

The Pirates of Shan |Harold Leland Goodwin
If the transaction should become known, the conclusion will now become known along with the provocation, and I am satisfied.

Caleb Williams |William Godwin

British Dictionary definitions for provocation

provocation

/ (ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən) /

noun

the act of provoking or inciting

something that causes indignation, anger, etc

English criminal law words or conduct that incite a person to attack another

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

provocation

noun

Origin of provocation

OTHER WORDS FROM provocation

Words nearby provocation

Example sentences from the Web for provocation

British Dictionary definitions for provocation

noun

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

provocation

noun

Origin of provocation

OTHER WORDS FROM provocation

Words nearby provocation

Words related to provocation

Example sentences from the Web for provocation

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noun

British Dictionary definitions for provocation