provke - v.tr.
1 a (often foll. by to, or to + infin.) rouse or incite (provoked him to fury). b (as provoking adj.) exasperating; irritating.
2 call forth; instigate (indignation, an inquiry, a storm, etc.).
3 (usu. foll. by into + verbal noun) irritate or stimulate (a person) (the itch provoked him into scratching).
4 tempt; allure.
5 cause, give rise to (will provoke fermentation).

provokable adj. provokingly adv. [ME f. OF provoquer f. L provocare (as PRO-(1), vocare call)]