provocation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment
    aggravation; irritation.
  2. noun something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action
    incitement; incitation.
  3. noun needed encouragement
    incitement.
    • the result was a provocation of vigorous investigation

WordNet

Prov`o*ca"tion noun
Etymology
F. provocation, L. provocatio. See Provoke.
Definitions
  1. The act of provoking, or causing vexation or, anger. Fabyan.
  2. That which provokes, or excites anger; the cause of resentment; as, to give provocation. Paley.
  3. Incitement; stimulus; as, provocation to mirth.
  4. (Law) Such prior insult or injury as may be supposed, under the circumstances, to create hot blood, and to excuse an assault made in retort or redress.
  5. An appeal to a court. A Latinism Obs. Ayliffe.

Webster 1913