provocation

/ˈprɑvəˌkeɪʃən/

Other forms: provocations

A provocation makes someone angry or sometimes even violent. Telling a professional boxer how ugly he is would be considered a provocation — one that might get you punched in the face.

Provocation is the act of provoking someone — doing something just to get a reaction. During election season, opponents sometimes use provocation to try to ruin one another's reputation. However, sometimes it backfires and the one doing the provoking, looking like a bully, loses votes. Some celebrities whose stars are fading use provocation like making scandalous statements to try to keep their names in the headlines.

Definitions of provocation

1. noun

   something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action
   synonyms: incitation, incitement

   types:

   signal

   any incitement to action

   type of:

   mental energy, psychic energy

   an actuating force or factor
2. noun

   needed encouragement
   “the result was a provocation of vigorous investigation”

   synonyms: incitement

   types:

   subornation

   underhandedly or improperly inducing someone to do something improper or unlawful

   subornation of perjury

   (law) inducing someone to make a false oath as part of a judicial proceeding

   type of:

   encouragement

   the expression of approval and support
3. noun

   unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment
   synonyms: aggravation, irritation

   types:

   aggro

   (informal British usage) aggravation or aggression

   last straw

   the final irritation that stretches your patience beyond the limit

   taunt, taunting, twit

   aggravation by deriding or mocking or criticizing

   type of:

   aggression

   deliberately unfriendly behavior