provocation
|prov-o-ca-tion|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌprɑː.vəˈkeɪ.ʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌprɒv.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/
(provoke)
incite reaction
Etymology
Etymology Information
'provocation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'provocatio,' where 'pro-' meant 'forth' and 'vocare' meant 'to call.'
Historical Evolution
'provocatio' transformed into the Old French word 'provocacion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'provocation' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a calling forth,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an action that provokes.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately.
The constant noise was a provocation to the neighbors.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41