pro·voke /prəˈvəʊk $ -ˈvoʊk/ ●●○ verb [transitiveT] 1 CAUSEto cause a reaction or feeling, especially a sudden one 激起,引起 → provocationprovoke a protest/an outcry/criticism etc The proposal provoked widespread criticism. 那项提议引起了广泛的批评。
The decision to invade provoked storms of protest. 入侵决定激起了抗议的风暴。
provoke debate/discussion 激起辩论/讨论
The novel has provoked fierce debate in the US. 那部小说在美国引发了激烈的争论。
provoke somebody into (doing) something She hopes her editorial will provoke readers into thinking seriously about the issue. 她希望她的那篇社论能引发读者认真思考该问题。
provoke somebody to do something Emma, though still at school, was provoked to help too. 埃玛虽然还是个学生,见状也前来帮忙。
2 ANGRYto make someone angry, especially deliberately 激怒,挑衅,使恼火 The dog would not have attacked if it hadn’t been provoked. 如果不是被惹恼了,那狗原本不会攻击的。
provoke somebody into (doing) something Paul tried to provoke Fletch into a fight. 保罗试图激怒弗莱琪打一架。
n COLLOCATIONSnounsprovoke a reaction/responseThe report provoked a furious reaction from staff.
provoke debate/discussion/controversyA new book criticising Hollywood has provoked fierce debate in the US.
provoke criticismThe introduction of the tax provoked widespread criticism.
provoke protest(s)/an outcryNot surprisingly, the new rules have provoked protests from gun owners.
The crackdown provoked an international outcry.
provoke anger/outrageHis detention has provoked the anger of his supporters.
provoke oppositionThe government's proposals provoked widespread backbench opposition.
provoke hostilityAggressive behaviour provokes hostility.
provoke violenceIt was a small incident but it provoked weeks of violence.
provoke interestTheir campaign provoked great interest.
provoke laughterSara's remark provoked faint laughter.