provocation

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment
  2. noun something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action
  3. noun needed encouragement

Etymology

From Middle English provocacioun, from Old French provocacion, from Late Latin prōvocātiō, prōvocātiōnem, from Latin prōvocō. By surface analysis, provoke + -ation. Doublet of provokatsiya.

In classic literature

Synonyms

aggravation, irritation

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