provocative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; stimulating discussion or exciting controversy
    • a provocative remark
    • a provocative smile
    • provocative Irish tunes which...compel the hearers to dance"- Anthony Trollope
  2. adjective satellite exciting sexual desire
    • her gestures and postures became more wanton and provocative

WordNet

Pro*vo"ca*tive adjective
Etymology
L. provocativus: cf. OF. provocatif.
Definitions
  1. Serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; exciting.
Pro*vo"ca*tive noun
Definitions
  1. Anything that is provocative; a stimulant; as, a provocative of appetite.

Webster 1913