Hardly popular with many Americans, Mr. Chávez provoked widespread ridicule by calling President Bush "the devil."

I have no idea of a man being a good diplomatist who does not give good dinners', he provoked widespread ridicule.

Pinter's blunt political statements, and the award of the Nobel Prize in Literature, elicited strong criticism and even, at times, provoked ridicule and personal attacks.

Divided skirts, bloomers and knickerbockers were tried as fashionable women attempted to resolve the matter without provoking hostility, ridicule or violence.

As the result of this action, the viceroy received the title of Conde de Venadito, which provoked much ridicule.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority ruled Newman was likely to have "provoked severe ridicule on the basis of the man's colour and race".

And an activity that rids a yearlong supply of dust from rugs should not provoke ridicule.

In the San Francisco Bay area, a three-year delay, sporadic equipment failures and a design that cost twice as much as budgeted has provoked hand-wringing and ridicule.

His political statements have elicited some strong public criticism and even, at times, provoked ridicule and personal attacks.

The ACMA ruled that the Channel was guilty of breaking its racism clause - 'provoking intense dislike, serious contempt or severe ridicule against a person or group'.