To provoke is to cause a reaction, often a strong emotion like anger, by doing or saying something. It can also mean to stimulate thought or discussion.
From Latin *provocare* 'to call forth, challenge', from *pro-* 'forth' and *vocare* 'to call'. It originally meant to call someone out or challenge them.
To provoke is to 'call something out' from inside a person—anger, curiosity, or action. That’s why art can be 'provocative' in a good way, while insults provoke in a way that burns.
Language of provocation has often been used to blame women and gender minorities for violence or harassment they experience (e.g., claiming they "provoked" attacks through dress or behavior). This framing shifts responsibility away from perpetrators and onto victims.
Avoid suggesting that someone "provoked" harm simply by existing or expressing themselves; reserve "provoke" for clear, intentional actions and be explicit about agency and responsibility.
["elicit","spark","cause","trigger (with care)"]
When discussing harassment or violence, emphasize that responsibility lies with those who choose to harm, and challenge narratives that frame victims—especially women and marginalized genders—as having provoked their own mistreatment.
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