Cool MateProvoke
UK /["/prəˈvəʊk/","/prəˈvəʊks/","/prəˈvəʊkt/","/prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/"]/US /["/prəˈvəʊk/","/prəˈvəʊks/","/prəˈvəʊkt/","/prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to cause a particular reaction or have a particular effect
In simple words: to make someone feel a strong emotion, often anger
Examples
- The speaker's comments were intended to provoke a strong reaction from the audience.
- His rude behavior managed to provoke a fight in the busy bar.
- Certain chemicals can provoke allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- The controversial advertisement seemed designed to provoke controversy and discussion.
- She did not want to provoke her opponent by responding aggressively.
Usage notes
Use 'provoke' to describe actions that cause strong emotional reactions. It's more neutral than aggressive, so avoid it in overly formal contexts.
Grammar pattern
provoke + object
Memory hint
Think of 'provoke' as 'pro-voke' — like being challenging in a game.
Collocations
- deliberately
- inevitably
- immediately
- try to
- be likely to
- be designed to
- into
- to
- easily provoked
- deliberately
- inevitably
- immediately
- try to
- be likely to
- be designed to
- into
- to
- easily provoked
Synonyms
- incite
- stimulate
- trigger
- agitate
- exasperate
Antonyms
- calm
- appease
- soothe
Common mistakes
- 'Provoke' is sometimes confused with 'evoke', which means to bring to mind.
- Learners might forget to use an object, saying just 'provoke' instead of 'provoke someone'.
- Some may incorrectly use 'provoked to' without an appropriate emotion or reaction.