Spanish word

provocación

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾoβokaˈθjon/

Meaning

  • feminine nounprovocation

Example

No caigas en la provocación.

Don't fall for the provocation.

Illustration for provocación (provocation)

More examples

Siempre responde con calma ante una provocación verbal.

Always respond calmly to a verbal provocation.

Core concept

A deliberate taunt meant to cause an emotional reaction.

Common phrases

  • caer en la provocación

    fall for the provocation

  • responder a la provocación

    respond to the provocation

  • provocación verbal

    verbal provocation

Similar words

insulto: Openly insulting words or acts aimed at belittling a person.
ofensa: Words or events that cause emotional hurt or offense.
burla: Mocking speech or behavior that makes fun of someone.
incitación: Encouragement or instigation that pushes others toward a certain act.

Definition in Spanish

Acción o efecto de provocar: conducta destinada a causar intencionadamente una reacción emocional o un conflicto en otra persona.

Word origin

Derived from Latin provocare (pro 'forward' + vocare 'call') and formed into a Spanish noun with the suffix -ción.

Usage tips

  • Provocación implies intentional baiting, so common collocations are hacer una provocación or caer en la provocación rather than describing accidental stimuli.

Other meanings

  • stimulationnoun
  • incitementnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word