To "provoke" or "incite" means to stimulate a reaction or response, often by causing someone to feel strong emotions. This can involve encouraging someone to take action, express anger, or engage in a debate. The term is frequently used in contexts such as politics, social movements, or art, where individuals or groups seek to challenge the status quo. Provoke can also refer to the act of instigating a particular behavior or event. For example, a speaker might provoke their audience to think critically about an issue, while a piece of literature might incite readers to reflect on societal norms. In both cases, the goal is to elicit a deeper engagement with the subject matter.