provocation

• Action, discours ou comportement visant à susciter la colère, l'irritation ou à pousser quelqu'un à réagir.

A noun referring to an action, statement, or behavior that is intended to anger, annoy, or stir someone into a reaction.

1. Unfriendly behavior causing angerB2formal

   Actions or words that are deliberately unfriendly and intended to make someone angry or upset.

   Provocation (comportement hostile)

   • He reacted violently to the constant provocation from his rival.
   • The police warned the crowd not to respond to any provocation.
   • Her calm demeanor remained unshaken despite the provocation.

   Synonymesaffrontaggravationgoadingharassmentincitementinsulttaunt

   Antonymesappeasementconciliationpacificationsoothing

2. Something that incites actionB2formal

   An event, statement, or action that stirs someone into doing something, often in a reactionary way.

   provocation (sens d'incitation)

   • The insult was the provocation that started the argument.
   • The government saw the protest as a direct provocation.
   • His speech served as a provocation for the crowd to take action.

   Synonymesencouragementgoadimpetusincentiveincitementinducementinstigationmotivationprodspurstimulustrigger

3. Needed encouragementC1informal

   A stimulus or push that is necessary to motivate someone to act or respond.

   Encouragement nécessaire

   • She needed a little provocation to finally speak her mind.
   • The challenge was the provocation he needed to start training.
   • A bit of friendly provocation can sometimes bring out the best in people.

   Synonymesencouragementgoadincentiveincitementmotivationprodpushspurstimulus

   Antonymesdeterrentdiscouragementdisincentivehindrance