What does "provocation" mean?
Provocation: That which provokes, or excites anger; the cause of resentment; as, to give provocation. Paley.
Additional senses
- 2.Incitement; stimulus; as, provocation to mirth.
- 3.(Law) Such prior insult or injury as may be supposed, under the circumstances, to create hot blood, and to excuse an assault made in retort or redress.
- 4.An appeal to a court. Note: [A Latinism] [Obs.] Ayliffe.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00