Pronunciation: /prɒv.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/
noun a thing that incites or provokes someone, especially deliberately
A1 She ignored his provocation and walked away.
A2 The teacher warned the students about the dangers of responding to provocation with violence.
B1 The politician's speech was seen as a deliberate provocation by the opposing party.
B2 The artist's controversial exhibit was intended to be a provocation to society's norms.
C1 The diplomat handled the provocation from the neighboring country with tact and diplomacy.
C2 The author's novel was a subtle provocation to the reader's preconceived notions about morality.
adjective provocative
A1 The child's provocation led to a fight on the playground.
A2 Her constant provocation of her classmates made her unpopular.
B1 The provocative behavior of the protesters caused a stir in the community.
B2 The artist's controversial painting was seen as a deliberate provocation.
C1 The politician's inflammatory remarks were seen as a deliberate provocation to incite violence.
C2 The writer's subtle use of provocation in her novel challenged societal norms and sparked debate.
formal The diplomat warned against any provocation that could escalate tensions between the two countries.
informal Don't let his words be a provocation for you to lose your temper.
slang She just can't resist a good provocation to start an argument.
figurative His silence was a provocation in itself, causing everyone to wonder what he was thinking.
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