Provoke (verb)

1. To incite or stir up (a reaction or feeling).
2. To cause (someone) to do something, especially something that is unwise or wrong.
3. To stimulate or stimulate to action.

Origin:

From latin provocare, from pro- ("forward") + vocare ("to call").

Examples:

1. His comments provoked an angry response from the audience.
2. He provoked her into a fight.
3. The situation was so tense that anything could provoke a conflict.
4. The smell of the food was enough to provoke his appetite.
5. The teacher's question was designed to provoke thought.