provoke

Universal Words verb 1 [VN] to cause a particular reaction or have a particular effect: The announcement provoked a storm of protest. * The article was intended to provoke discussion. * Dairy products may provoke allergic reactions in some people. 2 ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to say or do sth that you know will annoy sb so that they react in an angry way SYNGOAD: [VN] The lawyer claimed his client was provoked into acts of violence by the defendant. * Be careful what you say-he's easily provoked. [also VNtoinf]