1. The act of inciting another to do something, esp. to commit a crime.
2. Something (such as words or actions) that affects a person’s reason and self-control, esp. causing the person to commit a crime impulsively. [Cases: Sentencing and Punishment 1675.] — provoke, vb. — provocative, adj.
adequate provocation. Something that would cause a reasonable person to act without self-control and lose any premeditated state of mind. • The usual form of adequate provocation is the heat of passion. Adequate provocation can reduce a criminal charge, as from murder to voluntary manslaughter.
— Also termed adequate cause; reasonable provocation. See HEAT OF PASSION. Cf. SELF-DEFENSE. [Cases: Homicide 673.]
reasonable provocation. See adequate provocation.
