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Definition of provocation - 5 dictionary results

prov⋅o⋅ca⋅tion

  [prov-uh-key-shuhn]
Use provocation in a Sentence
–noun
1. the act of provoking.
2. something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates.
3. Criminal Law. words or conduct leading to killing in hot passion and without deliberation.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME < L prōvocātiōn- (s. of prōvocātiō) a calling forth, equiv. to prōvocāt(us) (ptp. of prōvocāre to provoke; see -ate 1 ) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms:
prov⋅o⋅ca⋅tion⋅al, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To provocation
prov·o·ca·tion   (prŏv'ə-kā'shən)   
n.  

  1. The act of provoking or inciting.

  2. Something that provokes.


[Middle English provocacioun, from Old French provocation, from Latin prōvocātiō, prōvocātiōn-, a challenging, from prōvocātus, past participle of prōvocāre, to challenge; see provoke.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

provocation 
1426, from O.Fr. provocation (12c.), from L. provocationem (nom. provocatio) "a calling forth, challenge," from provocatus, pp. of provocare "provoke." Provocative "serving to excite the appetite or lust" is from 1621, from M.Fr. provocatif (1486); used earlier as a noun (c.1412).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: prov·o·ca·tion
Pronunciation: "prä-v&-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun
1 : the act of provoking
2 : something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: prov·o·ca·tion
Pronunciation: "präv-&-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun
: the act or process of provoking provocation of bronchial asthma>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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