mindmap root((激起)) provoke directs attention to the response called forth and often applies to an angry or vexed or extreme reaction: my stories usually ~ laughter. excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly: news that ~ed anger and frustration. stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference: the challenge ~d them to work faster.（lethargy困倦，表示不愿意活动，沉沉欲睡，由于伤病药物等implies a drowsiness or aversion to activity such as is induced by disease, injury, or drug，如months of lethargy followed my skiing accident滑雪事故后的几个月一直困倦） pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge: that remark ~d my interest. quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively: the high salary ~ed her desire to have the job.