Provoke — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /prə-ˈvōk/ pro·voke

Meaning & Definition of Provoke

Provoke (verb)

  1. to call forth (a feeling, an action, etc.), evoke
  2. to stir up purposely
  3. to provide the needed stimulus for

Provoke (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to rouse to strong feeling or action

    "his teasing finally provoked her to anger"

    "bees generally will not sting unless they are provoked"

    similar: arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, instigate, move, pique, rev (up), spark, stimulate, stir, build a fire under
    related: fan, ignite, inflame, kindle, trigger, activate, animate, drive, energize, galvanize, induce, inspire, key (up), motivate, motive, pump up, quicken, set off, vitalize, abet, ferment, foment, raise, whip (up), anger, enrage, madden, upset, jeer, taunt, tease, aggravate, annoy, bother, exasperate, gall, get, irritate, vex
    near: calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize, appease, mollify, pacify, placate

  2. to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

    "rankings that are sure to provoke an argument among film buffs"

    similar: abet, brew, ferment, foment, incite, instigate, pick, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set in motion
    related: advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate, detonate, set, set off, trigger, excite, galvanize, inflame, inspire, motivate, rouse, activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, vitalize
    near: bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Provoke

The most common words with a similar meaning to Provoke:

arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, instigate, move, pique, rev (up), spark, stimulate, stir, abet, brew, ferment, foment, pick, raise, stir (up), whip (up), build a fire under, set in motion

Related Words for Provoke

fan, ignite, inflame, kindle, trigger, activate, animate, drive, energize, galvanize, induce, inspire, key (up), motivate, motive, pump up, quicken, set off, vitalize, anger, enrage, madden, upset, jeer, taunt, tease, aggravate, annoy, bother, exasperate

Near Antonyms of Provoke

calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize, appease, mollify, pacify, placate, bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, allay, quiet, settle, still

Word Forms of Provoke

Inflections: provoked, provoking

Derived words: provoker (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Provoke

Middle English, from Anglo-French *provoker, provocher, from Latin provocare, from pro- forth + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice pro-, voice

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Provoke

Frequently Asked Questions about Provoke

What does "Provoke" mean?

"Provoke" means to call forth (a feeling, an action, etc.), evoke. As a verb, it is defined as: to call forth (a feeling, an action, etc.), evoke. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Provoke"?

Other words for "Provoke" include arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, instigate and move. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Provoke" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Provoke"?

There are 75 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Provoke". Common alternatives include arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, instigate, move, pique and rev (up).

How do you use "Provoke" in a sentence?

Examples of "Provoke" in a sentence: "his teasing finally provoked her to anger"; "bees generally will not sting unless they are provoked"; "rankings that are sure to provoke an argument among film buffs".

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

"Provoke" is a verb.

Is "Provoke" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Provoke" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Provoke"?

"Provoke" is pronounced /prə-ˈvōk/ and divided into syllables as pro·voke.

What is the origin of the word "Provoke"?

"Provoke" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French *provoker, provocher, from Latin provocare, from pro- forth + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice pro-, voice. First known use: 14th century.