Provocation
[,prɒvə'keɪʃ(ə)n] or [,prɑvə'keʃən]
Definition
(noun.) needed encouragement; 'the result was a provocation of vigorous investigation'.
Typed by Jewel--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The act of provoking, or causing vexation or, anger.
(n.) That which provokes, or excites anger; the cause of resentment; as, to give provocation.
(n.) Incitement; stimulus; as, provocation to mirth.
(n.) Such prior insult or injury as may be supposed, under the circumstances, to create hot blood, and to excuse an assault made in retort or redress.
(n.) An appeal to a court. [A Latinism]
Typist: Rudy
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Incitement, stimulus, stimulant, incentive, provocative.[2]. Affront, offence, indignity, insult.
Typist: Susan
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Incitement, stimulus, stimulant, provocative, affront, indignity, insult,[SeeINDIGNITY]
Edited by Bertram
Examples
- The slim, bare, copper wire snapped on the least provocation, and the circuit was down for thirty-six days in the first six months. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- In fact, those who know him best are continually surprised at his moderation and patience, often when there has been great provocation. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- I don't wish to get cross, so let's change the subject; and Jo looked quite ready to fling cold water on the slightest provocation. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- Surely, he might bring evidence of his great provocation. Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- The other way (much longer, much more difficult, but in the end not less certain) is never to accept a provocation at a woman's hands. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- He was silent and sensitive, and ready to sigh and languish ponderously (as only fat men CAN sigh and languish) on the smallest provocation. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- Most of his alleged subordinates were in fact independent, and willing to make war on the king at the slightest provocation. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- The slightest provocation, even being asked if there is anything he would prefer for dinner, causes him to express a wish for a separation. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- Every provocation that your wife and her sister could offer to you, you instantly accepted from them. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- Don't give any provocation. Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom The Bell Tolls.
- The learned gentleman who weeps by the pint on the smallest provocation has not shed a tear these six weeks. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- The idea of bandying Ellen Olenska's name with him at such a time, and on whatsoever provocation, was unthinkable. Edith Wharton. The Age of Innocence.
- I was too severe; but O, Eustacia, the provocation! Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- Amongst her other endowments she boasted an exquisite skill in the art, of provocation, sometimes driving her _bonne_ and the servants almost wild. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- Months after, this letter came, and you see what provocation Frederick had. Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- Haven't you yourself declared that the fellow has heaped provocations, insults, and affronts on you, or something to that effect? Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Former provocations reappeared. Jane Austen. Emma.
- Pride meets with provocations and disturbances upon almost every occasion. Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
- But I have other provocations. Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice.
Checker: Rosalind