Provocation (noun)

  1. An action or remark that is intended to anger, annoy, or provoke someone.
  2. An action or remark that incites or provokes a reaction or response.

Origin:

From latin provocatio, from provocare "to call forth, to challenge".

Examples:

  1. His provocative statements were designed to provoke a reaction from the audience.
  2. The soldier's provocation led to a physical altercation.
  3. The provocation of the other drivers led to a road rage incident.
  4. She felt that the question was a provocation and refused to answer.
  5. The artist's provocative work was meant to challenge societal norms.
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