What does it mean to "provoke" someone?

To "provoke" someone typically means to stimulate a strong reaction, often involving anger or action. This term indicates that the actions or words directed towards someone have elicited an emotional response, usually by challenging them, irritating them, or prompting them to respond in some manner. The essence of provoking lies in creating a scenario where an individual feels compelled to react, whether it's out of frustration, anger, or even motivation to act, thus making it a powerful word that implies inciting rather than soothing.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with this meaning. Soothe and calm suggest a comforting action, while ignoring one’s feelings does not necessarily elicit a response; it rather dismisses it. Commending actions implies praise and positive reinforcement, which is the opposite of provoking. Understanding this definition of "provoke" helps clarify why the second choice is the most appropriate in this context.