provoke
pruh-VOHK
/prəˈvəʊk/
To stimulate or give rise to a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one.
Implies a 'call and response' dynamic. You do something, and it 'calls forth' a reaction from someone else.
The story behind the word. Literally 'to call forth'. In the Roman world, it was often a legal term—calling someone forth to stand trial or calling upon a higher power for help. It eventually became the word for 'calling forth' a fight.
Word relationships
- elicit: Elicit is more neutral and often used for information or a quiet response; provoke is more forceful and often used for anger.
- deter: Deter means to discourage someone from doing something.
Commonly confused with
- evoke: Evoke is to bring a memory or feeling to mind (often gently); provoke is to trigger an active reaction (often harshly).
Word family
- provocation (noun): Action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry.
- provocative (adjective): Causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction.
Collocations
- provoke a reaction
- provoke an outcry
- unprovoked attack
Example sentences
- "The documentary was intended to provoke a public debate about the ethics of artificial intelligence." Social commentary
- "Do not poke the bear; you do not want to provoke an attack." Animal behavior
Memory hook
Think of a 'vocal' person 'pro-voking' you. They are calling out to get a reaction. Provoke: Call it forth.
When not to use
While usually negative, it can be used for positive things like 'provoking thought' or 'provoking a smile'.
Fun facts
- The word 'vocation' (a calling or career) comes from the same 'vocare' root as provoke.
Related words
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