Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun provocation

3 senses of provocation

Sense 1
aggravation, irritation, provocation -- (unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment)
       => aggression -- (deliberately unfriendly behavior)

Sense 2
incitement, incitation, provocation -- (something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action)
       => psychic energy, mental energy -- (an actuating force or factor)

Sense 3
provocation, incitement -- (needed encouragement; "the result was a provocation of vigorous investigation")
       => encouragement -- (the expression of approval and support)