I. prəˈväkəd.]iv, prōˈ-, -ət] also ]əv noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French provocatif, adjective
1. archaic : something that arouses desire or appetite ; especially : aphrodisiac
greedy after vicious provocatives — S.T.Coleridge
2. : something that provokes : stimulus , incentive
a provocative to mirth — A.D.White
his society tends to supply few provocatives — Abram Kardiner
prove suitable … as a provocative for allergic tests — R.T.Leiper
II. adjective
Etymology: French provocatif, from Late Latin provocativus calling forth, eliciting, from Latin provocatus + -ion-, -io -ion
: serving or tending to provoke: as
a. : calling forth a desired feeling or action
provocative Irish tunes which … compel the hearers to dance — Anthony Trollope
b. : pleasantly stimulating : appealing , piquant
her features are provocative and lively — J.K.Newnham
c. : exciting sexual desire
her gestures and postures became … more wanton and provocative — C.B.Nordhoff & J.N.Hall
d. : exciting irritation, resentment, or anger
prepared for war without being provocative — Atlantic
e. : arousing curiosity or anticipation
provocative glimpses of characters — Carol Field
f. : stimulating discussion or controversy
one of the most provocative … novels — Saturday Review
toss a provocative political comment into the conversation — R.C.Doty
• pro·voc·a·tive·ly ]ə̇vlē, -li adverb
• pro·voc·a·tive·ness ]ivnə̇s\ noun -es