provocation

provocation, incitement

noun proh-voh-kah-SYOHN Rare

Origin: Latin provocatio (challenge)

Usage Note

Provocation refers to deliberate action or speech intended to stir up a reaction. La provocation au duel was historically a legal term. The related adjective provocateur (and feminine provocatrice) describes a person who provokes.

Examples

"Son discours était une pure provocation."

Natural Translation

His speech was pure provocation.

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