provocation
Action or speech deliberately causing anger or aggression
Examples
In a meeting
“His comments were clearly a provocation designed to derail the productive discussion.”
Over coffee
“That parking job was a provocation—they took up two spots on purpose.”
Why this word
instigation
Provocation is action that incites anger or response, while instigation means urging someone to act
trigger
Provocation is deliberate action to incite reaction, while trigger is any stimulus causing response
annoyance
Provocation implies deliberately inciting strong reaction or anger, while annoyance is mild irritation
Usage tip
Use when someone intentionally stirs up conflict, not for accidental offense
Etymology
Latin — from 'provocare' (to call forth), from 'pro-' (forth) + 'vocare' (to call)
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Related words
contradict
To state the opposite or deny the truth of something
pushback
Resistance or objection to an idea or plan
appease
To pacify or satisfy someone by giving in to their demands
impasse
A deadlock where no progress is possible
conciliatory
Intended to gain goodwill or reduce hostility
defuse
To reduce the danger or tension in a situation