Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Provocation \Prov`o*ca"tion\, n. [F. provocation, L. provocatio.
   See {Provoke}.]
   1. The act of provoking, or causing vexation or, anger.
      --Fabyan.

   2. That which provokes, or excites anger; the cause of
      resentment; as, to give provocation. --Paley.

   3. Incitement; stimulus; as, provocation to mirth.

   4. (Law) 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. An appeal to a court.

   Note: [A Latinism] [Obs.] --Ayliffe.

Source : WordNet®

provocation
     n 1: unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment [syn: {aggravation},
           {irritation}]
     2: something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or
        stirring to action [syn: {incitement}, {incitation}]
     3: needed encouragement; "the result was a provocation of
        vigorous investigation" [syn: {incitement}]