provoke
UK[prəˈvəʊk]US[prəˈvoʊk]
v
To cause a strong reaction, especially a negative one such as anger or indignation.
v
To stir up or stimulate an action or feeling.
Morpheme Breakdown
pro
voke
pro
forward
voke
to call
Etymology
The word 'provoke' originates from the Latin provocare, a compound of pro- ('forth') and vocare ('to call'). Its literal sense was 'to call forth' or 'challenge'. This meaning evolved through Old French provoker into Middle English, retaining the core idea of summoning something into action. The modern abstract sense—to incite a reaction or feeling—logically extends from this concept of calling something forward, whether it be a person's emotions or a specific event.
Analysis
Structure: pro (forward) + voke (to call)
pro- (Latin prefix meaning 'forth, forward'); -voke (from Latin vocare, 'to call')
Examples
His rude comments were intended to provoke an argument.
The new policy is likely to provoke widespread criticism.
The artist's work aims to provoke thought about social issues.