
Provoke
Emotional Trigger
Provoke implies a deliberate act to elicit an emotional response, often negative.
Constant teasing provoked his temper.
Easily Misused
Avoid using 'provoke' when you mean 'cause' as 'provoke' specifies triggering emotions, not just causing.
The movie's ending provoked tears in the audience. Compare with
AgitateAntagonizeEngageEvokeInciteInflameInfuriateInstigateIrritateRile
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