provoked

Everyday

1. Provoked is the past form of provoke: made someone angry on purpose, or caused a reaction. tree →
2. As an adjective, a provoked attack is one caused by someone's action, not happening by itself. tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons and nature: most animal attacks are provoked, so leave animals alone. In stories: «the provoked giant roared». In formal speech: «unprovoked» means with no reason.

Examples

• The bee stung him because he provoked it. tree →
• The news provoked strong feelings. tree →
• He was provoked into a fight. tree →
• The snake attack was provoked. tree →
• Her comment provoked giggles in class. tree →
• The provoked bull charged. tree →
• The attack was unprovoked, which made it worse. tree →
• The boy said he was provoked, but hitting was still wrong. tree →
• ‘All right, then,’ said her husband, somewhat provoked, ‘you can sing a song to the fairies.’ tree →

Note

Past and adjective of provoke. Opposite: unprovoked. Being provoked does not excuse hurting someone.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it means made angry. Israel "provoked" God with its idols.

Interpretation. Tradition reads this verse as measure for measure: Israel made God jealous by idols, and God stirs Israel with a foolish nation.

Examples

• They have roused Me to jealousy with a no-god; they have provoked Me with their vanities; and I will rouse them to jealousy with a no-people; I will provoke them with a vile nation. (Torah DEU.32.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Yet they tried and provoked God, the Most High, and kept not His testimonies; (Writings PSA.78.56, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thus they provoked Him with their doings, and the plague broke in upon them. (Writings PSA.106.29, JPS 1917) tree →
• For they provoked Him with their high places, and moved Him to jealousy with their graven images. (Writings PSA.78.58, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past and adjective of provoke. Opposite: unprovoked. Being provoked does not excuse hurting someone.