1. to cause someone to become angry or annoyed
2. to cause or bring about a reaction or response
3. to deliberately annoy someone in order to make them react angrily

Examples

• His rude comment provokes anger in everyone.
• The new policy provokes heated debate among citizens.
• She always provokes her little brother until he cries.
• The documentary provokes important questions about climate change.
• Don’t let him provoke you into saying something you’ll regret.
• The artist’s controversial painting provokes strong reactions.
• His constant teasing provokes the other students.