As always, threats to commerce provoked the creation of navies to police the trade lanes, and the first system navies of interstellar warships appeared.

Likewise, the threat of international peacekeeping troops could provoke further violence in an already unstable Muslim world.

In Washington, the threat provokes less alarm than mirth.

The boldness of his words took Kasak by surprise, disarming whatever threat or action his statements might have provoked.

The promise, or threat, has already provoked controversies in several states.

A threat expressed in guns and missiles provoked a response of guns and missiles.

A threat to a person's property in his presence might very well provoke the use of force by way of self-protection, which would seem to qualify.

The threat of its use often provokes a violent reaction from one's adversaries, especially when that adversary feels surprised and insecure.

He couldn't let Steej's threats provoke him into saying something that might expose him.

This is one reason America's threat to bomb Iraq is provoking such resistance.