English Dictionary

Definition of “provocation

provocation (ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃənPronunciation for provocation

Definitions

noun

  1. the act of provoking or inciting
  2. something that causes indignation, anger, etc
  3. English criminal law words or conduct that incite a person to attack another

Usage examples

  • Not in a drunken embrace or when stoned to the bone but sober and without provocation.
    James Birrell, THE MAŃANA MAN (2002)
  • The provocation , of course, was the famous row over basmati rice.
    Business Today (2002)
  • This forced the defence into the "totally grotesque" position of having to defend the case on the grounds of provocation.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • Under such provocation , it was to Arsenal's credit they did not respond with aggression.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • The very existence of the West on the borders of the extended Soviet empire was a provocation , irrespective of Western policies.
    Grenville, J. A. S., The Collins History of the World in the 20th Century (1994)

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