excite

Definition

To stir the emotions of; to cause to feel excitement.

Etymology

From Middle English exciten, from Old French exciter, from Latin excitō (“to call out, call forth, arouse, wake up, stimulate”), frequentative of excieō (“to call out, arouse, excite”), from ex (“out”) + cieō (“to call, summon”). See cite and compare to accite, concite, incite.

Example Sentences

• "The fireworks which opened the festivities excited anyone present."
• "Favoritism tends to excite jealousy in the ones not being favored."
• "The political reforms excited unrest among the population."

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