provocation — action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌprɑːvəˈkeɪʃn/
Example Sentences
- The teacher remained calm despite the student's obvious provocation during the exam.
- My cat's constant meowing at 3 AM is a clear provocation to my sanity.
- The diplomatic crisis began with a minor provocation that escalated quickly.
provocation
NOUN[/ˌprɑːvəˈkeɪʃn/]
action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately
a mischievous student deliberately flicks food across the table at another student who is quietly eating lunch. The food splashes onto the victim's clean shirt and face. The targeted student's expression changes from calm to angry as they realize what happened. Their fists clench and their face turns red with frustration. Other students at nearby tables turn to watch the brewing conflict. Some look shocked while others anticipate what will happen next. action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin provocatio meaning 'a calling forth' or 'challenge.' In ancient Rome, it referred to summoning someone forward, whether to court as a witness or to issue a formal challenge.
Breakdown
pro- (forth/forward) + voc- (call/voice) + -ation (noun suffix indicating action or result)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher remained calm despite the student's obvious provocation during the exam.”
“My cat's constant meowing at 3 AM is a clear provocation to my sanity.”
“The diplomatic crisis began with a minor provocation that escalated quickly.”
“He considered his neighbor's loud karaoke sessions a provocation worthy of calling the police.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.