4 uses
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Definition
to cause a reaction — typically an emotional reaction such as anger; and sometimes caused intentionally
- Tom thought snuff-taking a most provoking habit.3.5 -- Book 3 Chapter 5 -- Tom Applies His Knife to the Oyster (29% in)
- But Tom was not to be provoked into turning round, and Bob's voice began to falter a little as he said,— "An' I'n gi'en you everything, an' showed you everything, an' niver wanted nothin' from you.1.6 -- Book 1 Chapter 6 -- The Aunts and Uncles Are Coming (89% in)
- But to minds strongly marked by the positive and negative qualities that create severity,—strength of will, conscious rectitude of purpose, narrowness of imagination and intellect, great power of self-control, and a disposition to exert control over others,—prejudices come as the natural food of tendencies which can get no sustenance out of that complex, fragmentary, doubt-provoking knowledge which we call truth.6.12 -- Book 6 Chapter 12 -- A Family Party (89% in)
- He dreaded to utter another word, he dreaded to make another movement, that might provoke another reproach or denial from her.6.13 -- Book 6 Chapter 13 -- Borne Along by the Tide (76% in)
There are no more uses of "provoke" in The Mill on the Floss.
Typical Usage
(best examples)