An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To anger, enrage, exasperate, or vex.
   

2. To stir up, arouse, or call forth (feelings, desires, or activity).
   

3. To → incite or → stimulate (a person, animal, etc.) to action (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. provoker, provochier and directly from L. provocare “call forth, challenge,” from → pro- “forth” + vocare “to call,” → voice.

Etymology (PE): Farâvacidan, from farâ-, → pro-, + vacidan “to call,” rarr; convoke.