provozieren
Translation
to provoke, to elicit, to cause, to challenge
Examples
Er versucht, mich mit seinen Worten zu provozieren.
He is trying to provoke me with his words.
Die Kunstausstellung soll eine Reaktion provozieren.
The art exhibition is supposed to provoke a reaction.
Grammar Patterns
((j-n)) to provoke (sb.) Stop provoking your brother.
((et4)) to provoke/elicit (sth.) His question provoked a discussion.
Similar Words
reizen (to irritate), herausfordern (to challenge); Antonyms: beruhigen (to calm), besänftigen (to soothe)
Etymology
From Latin 'provocare' (to call forth, challenge), from 'pro-' (forth) + 'vocare' (to call). It's a direct cognate of the English 'provoke'.
Memory Tips
Almost identical to the English 'provoke'. Think of 'pro-' (forward) and 'voke' (from voice/call) - you are 'calling forward' a reaction from someone.