'provocation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'provocatio', where 'pro-' meant 'forth' and 'vocare' meant 'to call.'

'provocation' changed from the Latin noun 'provocatio' (from the verb 'provocare') through Late Latin and Old French into Middle English 'provocation', eventually becoming the modern English word 'provocation'.

Initially, it meant 'a calling forth' or 'summoning/challenge', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an action or speech that calls forth a reaction, especially one intended to anger or elicit a response.'