provoking

provoking

1. present participle and gerund of provoke

provoking (comparative more provoking, superlative most provoking)

1. annoying; irritating

   Would you stop interrupting me, dear? It's a most provoking habit.

• thought-provoking

provoking (plural provokings)

1. provocation
   • 1974, Clifford Adelman, No Loaves, No Parables; Liberal Politics and the American Language:

     The habit of mind so engendered is wholly demoralizing, particularly since the national political consciousness is so dependent on their provokings.