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excite

verb
ex·​cite | \ ik-ˈsīt How to pronounce excite (audio) , ek-\
excited; exciting

Definition of excite

transitive verb

1a : to call to activity
b : to rouse to an emotional response scenes to excite the hardest man to pity
c : to arouse (something, such as a strong emotional response) by appropriate stimuli excite enthusiasm for the new regime— Arthur Knight
2a : energize excite an electromagnet
b : to produce a magnetic field in excite a dynamo
3 : to increase the activity of (something, such as a living organism) : stimulate
4 : to raise (an atomic nucleus, an atom, a molecule, etc.) to a higher energy level
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about excite

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Choose the Right Synonym for excite

provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking. provoke directs attention to the response called forth. my stories usually provoke laughter excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly. news that excited anger and frustration stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference. stimulating conversation pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge. that remark piqued my interest quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively. the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

Examples of excite in a Sentence

ideas that excite young people Our announcement excited the children. The posters excited much interest in the show.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 She was excited by these questions and eventually chose to become a particle physicist. — Nandita Jayaraj, Quartz India, "Meet Indumathi, the Indian scientist who wants to capture one of the universe’s smallest particles," 27 Aug. 2019 Ricardo Garcia, an incoming fifth-grader who likes theater, said he was excited about having a bigger performance stage. — Lilly Nguyen, Daily Pilot, "Ocean View celebrates reopening of rebranded Westmont Elementary Visual and Performing Arts Academy," 22 Aug. 2019 But at one of the things that excites me is that Tumblr has a great trust and safety team, and so does the rest of Automattic that works on WordPress.com. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, "Exclusive: Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg on what’s next for Tumblr," 14 Aug. 2019 Asaravala said the previous board members were excited to see how many people were interested in leading the club and gave their endorsement to himself and his fellow new board members. — Emily Sorensen, Pomerado News, "Poway Democratic Club welcomes new president, board," 2 Aug. 2019 The number of episodes will be dictated by the amount of story that excites us. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "Who is Alexei From "Stranger Things” Season 3?," 9 July 2019 What continues to excite you about your work with them? — Vanessa Lawrence, ELLE Decor, "These Maisons at Napa's Auberge du Soleil Will Transport You to Provence," 8 July 2019 But what excites me too is the idea of a curvaceous black woman getting to be the love interest. — Health Magazine, Health.com, "This Is How Danielle Brooks Stays Confident: ‘I’m Trying to Learn to Enjoy the Moment’," 26 June 2019 Being able to give voice to fresh, feminist and unexplored stories of young women excites me. — Essence, "Tracee Ellis Ross To Star In And Executive Produce 'Daria' Spin-Off," 13 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'excite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of excite

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for excite

Middle English, from Anglo-French exciter, from Latin excitare, from ex- + citare to rouse — more at cite

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More Definitions for excite

excite

verb
How to pronounce excite (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of excite

: to cause feelings of enthusiasm in (someone) : to make (someone) feel energetic and eager to do something
: to cause (a particular emotion or reaction) to be felt or to happen
: to increase the activity of (something, such as nerve tissue)

See the full definition for excite in the English Language Learners Dictionary

excite

verb
ex·​cite | \ ik-ˈsīt How to pronounce excite (audio) \
excited; exciting

Kids Definition of excite

1 : to stir up feeling in The announcement excited the children.
2 : to increase the activity of This chemical excites nerve cells.

excite

transitive verb
ex·​cite | \ ik-ˈsīt How to pronounce excite (audio) \
excited; exciting

Medical Definition of excite

1 : to increase the activity of (as a living organism) : stimulate
2 : to raise (as an atomic nucleus, an atom, or a molecule) to a higher energy level

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