provoke
pruh-VOHKverbMeaning to stir up a reaction, especially anger
Memory hook pro-VOKE: POKE it and get a reaction. Kai tickles the sleeping dragon’s nose with a feather, poke, poke, and he provokes a giant, smoky sneeze!
Poking a sleeping cat is a sure way to provoke a hiss.
In context The referee’s strange call provoked a storm of boos from the stands; fans who had been quiet all game were suddenly on their feet, shouting.
Similar prompt, spark, trigger, anger
Opposite calm, soothe, appease
From Latin provocare, “to call forth, to challenge”: pro (forth) + vocare (to call).