The meaning of PROVOCATION is the act of provoking : incitement. How to use provocation in a sentence.

PROVOCATION definition: 1. an action or statement that is intended to make someone angry: 2. an action or statement that…. Learn more.

1. the act of provoking. 2. something that provokes, esp. by inciting, instigating, angering, or irritating. Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. …

PROVOCATION definition: the act of provoking. provoking. See examples of provocation used in a sentence.

Definition of provocation noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you describe a person's action as provocation or a provocation, you mean that it is a reason for someone else to react angrily, violently, or emotionally. He denies murder on the grounds of …

There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun provocation, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Dec 11, 2025 · Usually followed by of, to, or for: provocation of violence (less common:to, rare:for), provocation to war (less common: of, for).

Provocation is the act of provoking someone — doing something just to get a reaction. During election season, opponents sometimes use provocation to try to ruin one another's reputation.

the act of provoking or causing an often violent or strong reaction: [uncountable] The dictator attacked without provocation. [countable] numerous provocations that he used as an excuse to …