provocation
/ˌprɑvəˈkeɪʃən/
noun
- An action or statement that is intended to make someone angry or upset.
- She threw the ball at him in provocation, hoping he would chase her.
- The police warned the crowd not to respond to any provocation.
- His rude comment was a clear provocation, but she stayed calm.
- The act of deliberately causing anger or annoyance.
- The dog barked at the mailman without any provocation.
- He was arrested for provocation after shouting insults at the officer.
- The teacher ignored the student's provocation and continued the lesson.
Synonyms