provoke death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoke death" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing actions or events that lead to death or cause someone to die. Example: "The reckless driving of the motorist could provoke death in a serious accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Are we really so weak and scared that any opinion that differs from the consensus must be muted, lest it provoke death threats against not only those voicing it, but their children as well?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some editorials provoked death threats.

The New York Times

An excerpt in the Wall Street Journal provoked death threats; the book has sold more than a hundred and fifty thousand copies and inspired at least three book-length rebuttals.

The New Yorker

He cited problems with Merton Council involving proposals to build a stadium in the borough, while the plan to move to Milton Keynes has provoked death threats.

The Guardian - Sport

Wilders has been under constant 24-hour supervision since 2004 for statements and actions that have provoked death threats.

Vice

In 1987, Serrano's Piss Christ provoked death threats and violence from Christian fundamentalists and conservative Catholics across the U.S. and Europe and caused political outrage on two continents.

Huffington Post

The actions by Alpha activists provoked death threats to them and their families, and exposed their homes as targets for firebombing.

Wikipedia

The ATCC 13565 SEA+ provoked death of 85% of the animals after 48 h (not shown).

BMC Infectious Diseases

Our work does not reveal whether intestinal failure is the leading phenomenon provoking death in aged flies or only a symptom of an underlying disorder.

Aging

"If Trump constructs this, the only thing that it's going to provoke is death, destruction, chaos.

Vice

Here we demonstrated that CRISPR-Cas9 system can effectively trigger programmable double strand break (DSB) at the chromosome of PCC 7942 and provoke cell death.

Metabolic Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provoke death", ensure the context clearly indicates the causal relationship between the action and the resulting death. The subject should logically be capable of causing such an outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "provoke death" when the action only indirectly contributes to the death. Instead, opt for phrases like "contribute to death" or "play a role in death" to reflect a more nuanced relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke death" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as a causative expression. It signifies that an action or event leads to or incites death, as illustrated in the examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

64%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provoke death" is used to describe actions or situations that lead to death. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and primarily functions as a causative verb phrase. As the examples show, it frequently appears in News & Media and Science contexts. While the phrase is acceptable, being mindful of the directness of causation is key. Alternatives like "cause death" or "lead to death" might be more suitable depending on the context. Therefore, using "provoke death" appropriately involves understanding the specific nuances of causality and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause death

Directly implies being the reason for someone's death; replaces 'provoke' with a more straightforward term for causation.

induce death

Suggests bringing about death, often through specific actions or conditions. Adds a nuance of intentionality or direct influence.

lead to death

Highlights a sequence of events where death is the eventual outcome. Emphasizes the path rather than direct causation.

result in death

Indicates that death is a consequence of a preceding action or event. Similar to 'lead to death' but focuses on the outcome.

precipitate death

Implies hastening or accelerating the occurrence of death. Adds a sense of urgency or unexpectedness.

trigger death

Suggests initiating a series of events that culminate in death. More mechanical or indirect than 'cause death'.

bring about death

A more formal way of saying 'cause death', implying agency or influence in causing mortality.

give rise to death

Indicates that death originates from a specific source or condition. Adds a layer of origin or foundation.

contribute to death

Suggests being one of several factors that lead to death. Less direct than 'cause' but still influential.

foster death

Suggests nurturing or encouraging conditions that result in death. Implies a more gradual or passive influence.

FAQs

How can I use "provoke death" in a sentence?

Use "provoke death" to describe actions or situations that directly lead to someone's demise. For instance, "The government's policies could "provoke death" among the most vulnerable citizens".

What are some alternatives to saying "provoke death"?

Alternatives include "cause death", "lead to death", or "result in death", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "provoke death" in formal writing?

Yes, "provoke death" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing cause-and-effect relationships in serious contexts. However, consider alternatives like "induce death" for a more clinical tone.

What's the difference between "provoke death" and "cause death"?

"Cause death" is a direct statement of causation, while "provoke death" implies that something instigated or triggered the events leading to death. "Provoke" suggests a less direct, more instigative role compared to the direct causation of "cause".