The results of the election have 'provoked' [='generated'] a lot of discussion.
He just says those things because he's trying to 'provoke' you.
His insults were intended to 'provoke' [='start'] a fight.
(..) - So where did my top hat go? Nowhere. We tried the damn thing a dozen times. The hat went nowhere. We need to try different material. It may provoke a different result. Great. You are responsible for whatever happens to this animal, doctor. I hope whatever you were really doing with my money (..)2006 The Prestige