pro·voke 
/prəˈvoʊk/ verb
pro·vokes; pro·voked; pro·vok·ing /prəˈvoʊk/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to cause the occurrence of (a feeling or action) : to make (something) happen
▪ His remarks provoked both tears and laughter. ▪ His insults were intended to provoke [=start] a fight. ▪ The results of the election have provoked [=generated] a lot of discussion. ▪ ideas that are likely to provoke [=stimulate] change 2 : to cause (a person or animal) to become angry, violent, etc.
▪ He just says those things because he's trying to provoke you. ▪ The animal will not attack unless it is provoked. — sometimes + into ▪ He was provoked into a violent reaction by their taunts.
▪ His remarks provoked both tears and laughter. ▪ His insults were intended to provoke [=start] a fight. ▪ The results of the election have provoked [=generated] a lot of discussion. ▪ ideas that are likely to provoke [=stimulate] change
▪ He just says those things because he's trying to provoke you. ▪ The animal will not attack unless it is provoked. — sometimes + into ▪ He was provoked into a violent reaction by their taunts.
