Which term indicates an action that brings forth a response?

The term that signifies an action that brings forth a response is "provoke." To provoke means to incite or stimulate a reaction, often by causing someone to feel a certain way or forcing them to engage in a response. This action is usually deliberate, aiming to elicit a particular reaction, whether it be emotional, physical, or verbal.

In contrast, while "calm" refers to creating a peaceful state and is often about reducing reactions, "settle" implies resolving or ending a dispute, rather than inducing a response. "Contemplate" means to think deeply about something, which is more introspective and does not necessarily inspire an immediate external reaction. Thus, "provoke" is the only option that accurately conveys the concept of inciting a response in others, making it the correct choice.