Origin: Latin suffix -ive
Provocative has 4 different meanings across 1 category:
Something that provokes an appetite, especially a sexual appetite; an aphrodisiac.
"The spicy dish was so provocative that everyone in the room suddenly felt an intense urge to eat more."
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"
intentionally arousing sexual desire
"her gestures and postures became more wanton and provocative"
Serving or tending to elicit a strong, often negative sentiment in another person; exasperating.
"His constant complaints about the weather were so provocative that even his patient friend finally snapped and yelled at him."