provocative

& s. [Latin provocativus, from provocatus, pa. par. of provoco =to provoke (q. v.); Sp., Port., & Ital. provocativo; Old French provocatif.] A. As adj .: Tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; exciting or inciting to pa ion; rousing the pa ions. B. As subst.: Anything which tends to provoke, excite, or stimulate; a stimulant; anything apt or tending to excite the pa ions or appetite. pro-vōc-a-tive-ne , subst. [Eng. provocative; -ne .] The quality or state of being provocative or stimulating.