Provocation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən/ prov·o·ca·tion

Meaning & Definition of Provocation

Provocation (noun)

  1. the act of provoking, incitement
  2. something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates

Provocation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that arouses a strong response from another

    "a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations"

    similar: excitement, incitation, incitement, instigation
    related: encouragement, galvanization, goad, incentive, inducement, jog, prod, spur, stimulant, stimulation, stimulus, enticement, lure, induction, inspiration, motivation, aggravation, annoyance, bother, exasperation, frustration, hassle, headache, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest
    near: subduing

  2. something that arouses action or activity

    "ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation"

    similar: boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast, shot in the arm
    related: inducement, invitation, antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason, catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark
    opposite: counterincentive, disincentive

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Provocation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Provocation:

excitement, incitation, incitement, instigation, boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, momentum, motivation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast, shot in the arm

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Provocation

Words with the opposite meaning of Provocation:

counterincentive, disincentive

Related Words for Provocation

galvanization, inducement, jog, prod, stimulation, enticement, lure, induction, inspiration, aggravation, annoyance, bother, exasperation, frustration, hassle, headache, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest, invitation, antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason, catalyst, catalyzer

Near Antonyms of Provocation

subduing

Origin & Etymology of Provocation

Middle English provocacioun, from Anglo-French provocacion, from Latin provocation-, provocatio, from provocare

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Provocation

What does "Provocation" mean?

"Provocation" means the act of provoking, incitement. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of provoking, incitement. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Provocation"?

Other words for "Provocation" include excitement, incitation, incitement, instigation, boost, encouragement, goad and impetus. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Provocation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Provocation"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Provocation". Common alternatives include excitement, incitation, incitement, instigation, boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse and incentive.

What is the opposite of "Provocation"?

Antonyms of "Provocation" include counterincentive and disincentive. Near antonyms include subduing.

How do you use "Provocation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Provocation" in a sentence: "a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations"; "ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation".

Is "Provocation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Provocation" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Provocation"?

"Provocation" is pronounced /ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən/ and divided into syllables as prov·o·ca·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Provocation"?

"Provocation" comes from Middle English provocacioun, from Anglo-French provocacion, from Latin provocation-, provocatio, from provocare. First known use: 15th century.