5 uses
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Definition
to cause a reaction — typically an emotional reaction such as anger; and sometimes caused intentionally
- I won't provoke my betters with knowledge, thank you.Chapters 16-18 (63% in)
- 'That I want to be satisfied about?' she replied, with provoking coldness.Chapters 28-30 (68% in)
- Mr. Dick was so very complacent, sitting on the foot of the bed, nursing his leg, and telling me this, with his eyes wide open and a surprised smile, that I am sorry to say I was provoked into explaining to him that ruin meant distress, want, and starvation; but I was soon bitterly reproved for this harshness, by seeing his face turn pale, and tears course down his lengthened cheeks, while he fixed upon me a look of such unutterable woe, that it might have softened a far harder heart...Chapters 34-36 (20% in)
- Here Mr. Micawber provokingly left off; and began to peel the lemons that had been under my directions set before him, together with all the other appliances he used in making punch.Chapters 49-51 (23% in)
- 'And I can't bear to hear you provoking the gentlemen, and endangering of yourself more.Chapters 52-54 (34% in)
There are no more uses of "provoke" in David Copperfield.
Typical Usage
(best examples)