provoked: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “provoked” mean?
Caused a strong feeling or reaction, especially anger or outrage, by deliberate action.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Caused a strong feeling or reaction, especially anger or outrage, by deliberate action.
Stimulated or incited a particular response, discussion, or thought; can refer to causing any emotion (laughter, curiosity) or physical reaction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Minor spelling variants in related forms (e.g., 'provokable' vs. 'provocable' are rare).
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK English in formal/journalistic contexts related to social unrest. In US English, slightly more associated with interpersonal conflict.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “provoked” in a Sentence
[Subject] provoked [Object] (e.g., He provoked a fight.)[Subject] provoked [Object] [into + -ing] (e.g., She provoked him into reacting.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “provoked” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The referee's decision provoked fury amongst the home supporters.
- She claimed she was provoked into hitting him after constant harassment.
American English
- The senator's comments provoked a strong backlash on social media.
- The article was designed to provoke thought about climate policy.
adverb
British English
- He reacted provokedly, which only made the situation worse. (Extremely rare/non-standard)
- N/A
American English
- She spoke provokedly, her voice trembling with emotion. (Extremely rare/non-standard)
- N/A
adjective
British English
- He had a provoked look in his eyes, as if seeking a fight. (Note: 'provoked' as adjective is rare, 'provocative' is standard)
- In a state of provoked anger, he said things he later regretted.
American English
- Her provoked response was understandable given the circumstances. (Rare as adjective)
- The defendant argued it was a case of provoked assault.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new policy provoked strong opposition from the unions.
Academic
The researcher's findings provoked a fundamental reassessment of the theory.
Everyday
His rude comment really provoked me, and I snapped back.
Technical
The chemical agent provoked a severe inflammatory response in the tissue.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “provoked”
- Using 'provoked' for accidental causes (e.g., 'The rain provoked a car crash.' – Use 'caused').
- Confusing 'provoked' (past action) with 'provocative' (adjective describing something likely to provoke).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often associated with anger or conflict, it can be neutral (provoked thought, discussion, laughter). Context defines the emotional valence.
'Provoke' implies stimulating a specific, often emotional or reactive response. 'Cause' is broader and more neutral, indicating a general reason for any outcome.
It can, but it's rare and often sounds awkward. The adjective 'provocative' (likely to provoke) is far more common. Legal/phrases like 'provoked assault' are exceptions.
The pattern 'provoke someone into doing something' is very common (e.g., He provoked her into shouting).
Caused a strong feeling or reaction, especially anger or outrage, by deliberate action.
Provoked is usually neutral to formal in register.
Provoked: in British English it is pronounced /prəˈvəʊkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /prəˈvoʊkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A red rag to a bull (something that provokes anger)”
- “Poke the bear (to deliberately provoke a dangerous entity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PRO-VOKED' as someone being PROfessionally VOKED (like evoked or invoked) into anger—they were professionally called into a state of reaction.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS HEAT/PRESSURE (He was simmering, and her words made him boil over.)
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'provoked' used INCORRECTLY?