provocative

[ pruh-vok-uh-tiv ]
/ prəˈvɒk ə tɪv /

adjective

tending or serving to provoke; inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing.

noun

something provocative.

Origin of provocative

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word prōvocātīvus. See provocation, -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM provocative

Example sentences from the Web for provocative

British Dictionary definitions for provocative

provocative
/ (prəˈvɒkətɪv) /

adjective

acting as a stimulus or incitement, esp to anger or sexual desire; provoking a provocative look; a provocative remark

Derived forms of provocative

provocatively, adverb provocativeness, noun