ɪnsɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n ɪnˈsaɪt.mənt ˌɪɹɪˈteɪʃən ˌpɹɑvəˈkeɪʃən ˌpɹɒvəˈkeɪʃən unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment needed encouragement the result was a provocation of vigorous investigation something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action