unprovoked

adjective

un·​pro·​voked ˌən-prə-ˈvōkt How to pronounce unprovoked (audio)
: occurring without any identifiable cause or justification : not provoked
an unprovoked assault/attack
unprovoked anger

Examples of unprovoked in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The signing was abruptly scrapped after the meeting descended into finger pointing over Russia and its unprovoked invasion of the country, and whether Zelenskyy had properly thanked the American president. Graham Kates, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025 There were three unprovoked attacks in California, including one in which a surfboard was punctured. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025 Wormley maintained the attack was unprovoked, though prosecutors argued the shooting was revenge against another gang. Adam Carlson, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025 An unprovoked deadly attack For 23 minutes on Nov. 2, Chris Culbertson, 46, was attacked while biking home on the 3200 block of E 80th Street, an attack that left him screaming for help as seven pit bulls ripped him apart. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unprovoked

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprovoked was in 1534

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Cite this Entry

“Unprovoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprovoked. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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