Which of the following best defines "provoke"?

The term "provoke" means to incite or stimulate someone to take action, often resulting in a strong emotional response, such as anger. When we say someone has been provoked, it implies that their emotions have been stirred, potentially leading to a reaction like frustration or aggression.

In the context of the available definitions, the choice that aligns best with this meaning is the one that describes provoking as bringing about anger or prompting an action. This reflects the essence of the word's usage in various contexts where it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, typically involving heightened emotions or responses.

The other definitions do not accurately capture this nuance. Alleviating a situation suggests easing or calming something rather than instigating a reaction. Encouraging passive behavior is the exact opposite of provoking, as it indicates a lack of action. Maintaining peace and harmony, too, contrasts with the idea of provoking, which often disrupts calmness rather than preserving it. Hence, the best definition of "provoke" among the given choices is indeed the one associated with anger or bringing about action.