provoke irritation

Meaning

To cause feelings of annoyance, impatience, or anger in someone else, often through repetitive, insensitive, or inconsiderate behavior. It is a formal way of saying 'annoy someone' or 'make someone mad'.

Examples

• His constant habit of interrupting her during conversations would always provoke irritation.

  His constant habit of interrupting her during conversations would always provoke irritation.

• Leaving dirty dishes in the sink is a minor issue, but it can provoke irritation over time.

  Leaving dirty dishes in the sink is a minor issue, but it can provoke irritation over time.

• She tried to discuss the budget calmly to avoid provoking irritation in her partner.

  She tried to discuss the budget calmly to avoid provoking irritation in her partner.

• Unresolved household chores are highly likely to provoke irritation between roommates.

  Unresolved household chores are highly likely to provoke irritation between roommates.

• His defensive attitude during disagreements served only to provoke irritation.

  His defensive attitude during disagreements served only to provoke irritation.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ His behavior provoked an irritation to her.

  ✓ His behavior provoked irritation in her.

  We say 'provoke irritation in [someone]', using the preposition 'in' and keeping 'irritation' uncountable.

• ✗ She didn't want to make irritation.

  ✓ She didn't want to provoke irritation.

  'Provoke' or 'cause' are the correct collocations for 'irritation'. 'Make' is incorrect.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Constantly checking your phone while your partner is talking is bound to ___.

  💡 Cause annoyance

  Show answer

  provoke irritation

• He apologized immediately because he didn't mean to ___ in his wife.

  💡 Trigger frustration or anger

  Show answer

  provoke irritation