provoke

verb

1. 1

   provide the needed stimulus for

2. 2

   evoke or provoke to appear or occur

   Her behavior provoked a quarrel between the couple

3. 3

   call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

   arouse pity

   raise a smile

4. 4

   annoy continually or chronically

   He is known to harry his staff when he is overworked

   This man harasses his female co-workers