ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary BuilderWordsPprovoke
ISEE/SSATmedium
provoke
Meaning: to stir up a strong reaction or response, often anger
provoke in a sentence
How provoke is used in real sentences:
The referee's questionable call provoked loud boos from the crowd.
The coach's blunt comments provoked the players to train harder.
“Her first public talk provoked an angry response from neighbors, who heard criticism in her description of backyard feeders.”
— from the passage The Winter Choice
Synonyms for provoke
Other words for provoke — incite, instigate and arouse — carry the same meaning.
Antonyms of provoke
Words that mean the opposite of provoke:
- soothe
- pacify
Where it comes from
From Latin provocare "to call forth"
Word parts
- voc/vok — call, voice
provoke: pro- (forth) + vok (call)
Memory hook
PRO-VOKE -- a vocal jab meant to call forth a reaction.