Provoke Meaning
Provoke Definition & Usage
To stimulate a strong reaction or emotion, typically anger or annoyance, in someone.
Examples
- "His rude comments were enough to provoke an argument."
- "She was deliberately trying to provoke him into losing his temper."
- "The politician's controversial speech provoked widespread outrage."
- "The loud noise from the construction site provoked the neighbors to complain."
- "His actions were designed to provoke a response from the media."
To incite or trigger an event or reaction, often leading to an undesirable outcome.
Examples
- "The spark from the welding machine provoked a fire in the dry brush."
- "The storm clouds on the horizon provoked panic among the residents."
- "His behavior provoked a chain of events that led to a serious accident."
- "She didn't want to provoke a confrontation but felt it was unavoidable."
- "The threat of a strike provoked the company to negotiate with the workers."
Cultural Context
The word 'provoke' originates from the Latin 'provocare', meaning to call forth or challenge. It has been in use in English since the 14th century. Over time, it has taken on both aggressive and passive meanings, depending on whether it's the speaker's or the receiver's perspective. While its most common use refers to provoking emotional responses like anger, it can also apply to triggering more neutral reactions or events.
The Spark That Ignited the Fire
Story
The Spark That Ignited the Fire
In the small town of Brightridge, tempers were always on edge, but one particular evening, the air was thick with a tension that would soon spill over. It all started with a seemingly innocent comment at the local bar. Jack, known for his sharp tongue, had made a remark about the town's council that was meant to be humorous. But when Sarah overheard, she took offense. The political debate had already been a point of contention, and Jack’s remark, though lighthearted, provoked her into defending the council's actions fiercely. 'What do you mean by that?' Sarah asked, her voice steady but filled with a quiet intensity. Jack grinned, as if expecting the challenge. 'Oh, come on. It’s just politics. Don't tell me you’re taking it personally.' Her face flushed, and she leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. 'You don't understand. What they’re doing affects our community.' She wasn’t backing down. As the argument between Sarah and Jack heated up, the others in the bar started to take sides. Tension filled the room, with some trying to calm the situation, while others eagerly provoked Jack to continue. The bartender, a calm and measured woman, did her best to defuse the situation, but the energy in the room was undeniable. Jack’s words, intended as nothing more than a passing remark, had provoked a full-blown debate. What was meant as a small spark now threatened to ignite a fire of discord. The following day, the conversation continued, but now Sarah’s passionate defense had drawn the attention of the local press. The media, always eager for controversy, began to cover the debate more extensively, inadvertently provoking even more discussion. The town was divided — some believed Sarah had overreacted, others felt Jack had been too careless. In the end, what had started as a minor comment became a full-blown issue, triggering a series of events that no one could have anticipated. As Jack watched the growing debate unfold, he realized that sometimes, even the smallest spark could provoke a firestorm.
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