English dictionary



Info: This web site is based on WordNet 3.0 from Princeton University.

English verb: provoke

1. provoke (emotion) call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)


SamplesArouse pity.
Raise a smile.
Evoke sympathy.


Synonymsarouse, elicit, enkindle, evoke, fire, kindle, raise


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)create, make


Narrower (hyponym)anger, ask for, bruise, discomfit, discompose, disconcert, draw, excite, excite, fire up, heat, hurt, ignite, infatuate, inflame, injure, interest, invite, offend, overcome, overpower, overtake, overwhelm, prick, rekindle, shake, shake up, shame, spite, stimulate, stir, stir up, strike a chord, sweep over, touch a chord, untune, upset, wake, whelm, wound

2. provoke (creation) evoke or provoke to appear or occur


SamplesHer behavior provoked a quarrel between the couple.


Synonymscall forth, evoke, kick up


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)cause, do, make


Narrower (hyponym)pick


Verb grouparouse, bring up, call down, call forth, conjure, conjure up, evoke, invoke, put forward, raise, stir

3. provoke (communication) provide the needed stimulus for


ExamplesThey provoke him to write the letter


Synonymsstimulate


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody.
Somebody ----s somebody to INFINITIVE


Broader (hypernym)challenge


Narrower (hyponym)agitate, entice, foment, incite, instigate, jog, lure, rejuvenate, set off, stir up, stir up, tempt

4. provoke (emotion) annoy continually or chronically


SamplesHe is known to harry his staff when he is overworked.
This man harasses his female co-workers.


ExamplesThe performance is likely to provoke Sue


Synonymsbeset, chevvy, chevy, chivvy, chivy, harass, harry, hassle, molest, plague


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)annoy, bother, chafe, devil, get at, get to, gravel, irritate, nark, nettle, rag, rile, vex


Narrower (hyponym)bedevil, crucify, dun, frustrate, goad, haze, needle, rag, torment









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