Definition of Provoke

to trigger a reaction, often an angry one

Examples of Provoke in a sentence

The pictures of the victim’s body are sure to provoke feelings of anger within the jury.  🔊

When the host asked the celebrity about his divorce, he hoped to provoke a heated response.  🔊

Nobody expected the teen’s death to provoke a national investigation into the brutality of police force.  🔊

During the press conference, the obnoxious boxer tried to provoke a reaction from his rival.  🔊

The poster of me as a baby is sure to provoke tears from my emotional mother.  🔊

When the political candidate exposed his rival’s lavish spending habits, he hoped to provoke feelings of resentment among the voters.  🔊

The public hopes the financial bailout of car manufacturers will provoke an inquiry into the spending habits of corporate giants.  🔊

Hopefully the questions asked by the teacher will provoke meaningful class discussion.  🔊

If you provoke your dog, it might bite you in response.  🔊

The teacher’s dull lecture failed to provoke any student interest.  🔊

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