late 14c., from Old French provoker, provochier (12c., Modern French provoquer) and directly from Latin provocare "call forth, challenge," from pro- "forth" (see pro-) + vocare "to call" (see voice (n.)). Related: Provoked; provoking.
实用例句
1. If one firm goes under it could provoke a cascade of bankruptcies.
如果一家公司倒闭，便有可能引发一连串的破产。
来自柯林斯例句
2. His duty was to conciliate the people, not to provoke them.
他的职责是安抚那些人，而不是去激怒他们。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Thinking angry thoughts can provoke strong physiological arousal.
想着生气的事情能激起强烈的生理反应。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Don't provoke the animal by teasing. It may bite you.