'Provocation' definitions:
Definition of 'provocation'
(from WordNet)
noun
Unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment [syn: aggravation, irritation, provocation]
noun
Something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action [syn: incitement, incitation, provocation]
noun
Needed encouragement; "the result was a provocation of vigorous investigation" [syn: provocation, incitement]
Definition of 'Provocation'
From: GCIDE
- Provocation \Prov`o*ca"tion\, n. [F. provocation, L. provocatio. See Provoke.]
- 1. The act of provoking, or causing vexation or, anger. --Fabyan. [1913 Webster]
- 2. That which provokes, or excites anger; the cause of resentment; as, to give provocation. --Paley. [1913 Webster]
- 3. Incitement; stimulus; as, provocation to mirth. [1913 Webster]
- 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. [1913 Webster]
- 5. An appeal to a court.
- Note: [A Latinism] [Obs.] --Ayliffe. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'provocation'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- bothering,
- cause,
- grounds,
- harassment,
- incentive,
- incitement,
- inducement,
- initiation,
- instigation,
- insult,
- irking,
- irritation,
- justification,
- motivation,
- motive,
- provoking,
- reason,
- stimulus,
- taunt,
- vexation,
- vexing