the act of provoking.

something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates.

Criminal Law . words or conduct leading to killing in hot passion and without deliberation.

noun

prevention , repression , suppression

noun

affront , annoyance , bothering , brickbat , casus belli , cause , challenge , dare , defy , grabber , grievance , grounds , harassment , incentive , indignity , inducement , injury , instigation , insult , irking , justification , motivation , offense , provoking , reason , taunt , vexation , vexing , botheration , exasperation , irritation , pestering , goad , incitation , incitement , trigger