provoking Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
    raise; fire; enkindle; elicit; arouse; evoke; kindle; provoke.
    • arouse pity
    • raise a smile
    • evoke sympathy
  2. verb evoke or provoke to appear or occur
    provoke; evoke; call forth; kick up.
    • Her behavior provoked a quarrel between the couple
  3. verb provide the needed stimulus for
    provoke; stimulate.
  4. verb annoy continually or chronically
    beset; chivy; chevy; chevvy; harass; hassle; chivvy; harry; plague; molest; provoke.
    • He is known to harry his staff when he is overworked
    • This man harasses his female co-workers
  5. adjective satellite causing or tending to cause anger or resentment
    agitating; agitative.
    • a provoking delay at the airport

WordNet


Pro*vok"ing adjective
Definitions
  1. Having the power or quality of exciting resentment; tending to awaken passion or vexation; as, provoking words or treatment. -- Pro*vok"ing*ly, adv.

Webster 1913