Provoke

Pronunciation: /prəˈvoʊk/

Provoke (verb)

  1. To make someone feel angry, upset, or afraid, often by what you say or do.
  2. To cause a change in a person or system, such as a response, reaction, or effect.
  3. To bring about a fight, disagreement, or problem, especially by challenging someone.

Examples

  • The loud noise provoked fear in everyone.
  • His rude comment provoked anger during the meeting.