provoke

/pɹəvˈə‍ʊk/

/pɹəˈvoʊk/

to provoke

MAIN VERB

to give rise to a certain reaction or feeling, particularly suddenly

synonyms : stimulate

evoke or provoke to appear or occur

synonyms : call forth

call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

synonyms : arouse

to intentionally annoy someone so that they become angry

synonyms : beset

Examples

1. She provoked him with her remarks, so she asked for it when he got angry.

2. Initially, the high interest rates definitely provoked a recession in 1981 and 1982.

3. Problems of that kind could provoke a great deal of local resentment.

4. This statement likely provokes fear among some.