1. To make someone or others feel angry and irritated: The noise made by Frank's friends during his birthday party late in the evening provoked his neighbors to complain about it the next day.

Mary's son would not take "no" for an answer regarding his desire to go to a late movie and so he provoked her into making him stay in his room and go to bed earlier than usual.

2. Producing a response to an occasion or a cause in an emotional way: Hank's reaction to his wife's death provoked a lot of sympathy by their friends.
3. To stir someone to an emotion or a response: The newspaper article about a woman not being able to become the President of the United States provoked Mike's wife to write a letter to the publisher.
4. To bring something about intentionally by stirring up, arousing, or calling forth feelings, desires, or some responsive activity: Jerry played music in his room very loudly because he was provoked and distressed by his parents because they wouldn't allow him to stay out late with his friends.