1. (n.) The act of inciting anger or resentment\.

2. (n.) That which provokes, or excites anger; the cause of resentment; as, to give provocation.

3. (n.) Incitement; stimulus; as, provocation to mirth.

4. (n.) Such prior insult or injury as may be supposed, under the circumstances, to create hot blood, and to excuse an assault made in retort or redress.

5. (n.) An appeal to a court. [A Latinism]

bothering cause grounds harassment incentive incitement inducement initiation instigation insult irking irritation justification motivation motive provoking reason stimulus taunt vexation vexing