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Definition of provocation

provocation

/ˌprɑːvəˈkeɪʃən/
prov · o · ca · tion
Adverb:provocatively
•
Plural:provocations
•
Adjective:provocative
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provocation Lexical Profile

provocation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An action, speech, or occurrence that intentionally annoys, angers, or incites someone to react.

Example

"The diplomat remained calm and refused to lose his temper despite the deliberate provocation during the debate."

2

In law, conduct or words sufficient to cause a reasonable person to lose self-control, often cited as a mitigating factor in a criminal offense.

Example

"The defense attorney argued that the defendant acted under extreme provocation, which reduced the charge to voluntary manslaughter."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for provocation

• Nearby Words

provisioner
provisions
proviso
provocation
provocative
provocatively
provocativeness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French provocation, from Latin provocationem, a noun of action from provocare ('to call forth, challenge, or summon'), formed from pro- ('forth') and vocare ('to call').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Provocation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/provocation
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