Definition: provide the needed stimulus for
Similar words: challenge
Definition: issue a challenge to
Usage: Fischer challenged Spassky to a match
Synonyms: provoke, kick up, call forth, evoke
Definition: evoke or provoke to appear or occur
Usage: Her behavior provoked a quarrel between the couple
Similar words: cause, do, make
Definition: give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
Usage: cause a commotion; make a stir; cause an accident
Synonyms: kindle, elicit, enkindle, evoke, fire, arouse, raise, provoke
Definition: call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
Usage: arouse pity; raise a smile; evoke sympathy
Definition: make or cause to be or to become
Usage: make a mess in one's office; create a furor
Synonyms: plague, provoke, molest, harass, harry, hassle, chevvy, chevy, chivvy, chivy, beset
Definition: annoy continually or chronically
Usage: He is known to harry his staff when he is overworked; This man harasses his female co-workers
Similar words: devil, irritate, get at, get to, gravel, rag, rile, bother, chafe, annoy, nark, nettle, vex
Definition: cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
Usage: Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me; It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves