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   provocation

   /ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃn/

   noun

   • 1. action or speech that makes someone angry, especially deliberately: "you should remain calm and not respond to provocation" Similar goadingproddingegging onincitementrousingstirringstimulationpromptinginducementencouragementurginginspirationstimuluspressureannoyanceirritationnettlingagitationvexationbeing rubbed up the wrong wayharassmentplaguingmolestationteasingtauntingtormentaffrontinsultsinformal:hassleaggravation
   • ▪ action or speech held to be likely to prompt physical retaliation: "the assault had taken place under provocation" Similar goadingproddingegging onincitementrousingstirringstimulationpromptinginducementencouragementurginginspirationstimuluspressureannoyanceirritationnettlingagitationvexationbeing rubbed up the wrong wayharassmentplaguingmolestationteasingtauntingtormentaffrontinsultsinformal:hassleaggravation
   • 2. the action of arousing sexual desire or interest, especially deliberately: "walking with deliberate provocation, she struck a pose, then giggled"
   • 3. testing to elicit a particular response or reflex: "twenty patients had a high increase of serum gastrin after provocation with secretin"

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin provocatio(n-), from the verb provocare (see provoke).

   Scrabble Points: 18

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