The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Provocation \Prov`o*ca"tion\, n. [F. provocation, L. provocatio.
   See Provoke.]
   1. The act of provoking, or causing vexation or, anger.
      --Fabyan.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. That which provokes, or excites anger; the cause of
      resentment; as, to give provocation. --Paley.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Incitement; stimulus; as, provocation to mirth.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. (Law) Such prior insult or injury as may be supposed,
      under the circumstances, to create hot blood, and to
      excuse an assault made in retort or redress.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. An appeal to a court.

   Note: [A Latinism] [Obs.] --Ayliffe.
         [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

provocation
    n 1: unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment [syn:
         aggravation, irritation, provocation]
    2: something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or
       stirring to action [syn: incitement, incitation,
       provocation]
    3: needed encouragement; "the result was a provocation of
       vigorous investigation" [syn: provocation, incitement]