sic

1 of 3

adverb

ˈsik  ˈsēk 

: intentionally so written

—used after a printed word or passage to indicate that it is intended exactly as printed or to indicate that it exactly reproduces an original

said he seed [sic] it all

sic

2 of 3

verb

ˈsik 

variants or less commonly sick

sicced also sicked ˈsikt  ; siccing also sicking

transitive verb

1

: chase, attack

—usually used as a command especially to a dog

sic 'em

2

: to incite or urge to an attack, pursuit, or harassment : set

sicced their lawyers on me

sic

3 of 3

ˈsik 

chiefly Scottish variant of such

Did you know?

The adverb sic, usually enclosed in brackets, is a word editors use in the reproduction of someone else's speech or writing to indicate that an unexpected form exactly reproduces the original and is not a copier's mistake. Sic comes from Latin, in which it means "so" or "thus." Though it's a useful tool, some usage commentators feel it is bad manners to use a sic to needlessly call attention to someone's error or to deride the language of a less-educated person.

Synonyms

Verb

• assail
• assault
• attack
• beset
• bushwhack
• charge
• descend (on or upon)
• go in (on)
• jump (on)
• pounce (on or upon)
• raid
• rush
• set on
• storm
• strike
• trash
• turn (on)

Examples of sic in a Sentence

Verb

commanded the attack dogs to "sic 'em"

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Some fear the clash heralds a similar outcome at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where political leaders are emboldened to sic the cops on demonstrators ever more intent on showing up. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 1 May 2024

When was the last time a president other than Trump tried to illegitimately retain power, sic a mob on the Capitol and try to otherwise subvert democracy? —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2024

He was censured twice for, among other things, threatening to sic county inspectors on a gas station owner and throwing a fit at Legoland, which led to his later conviction for disorderly conduct. —Luke Nozicka, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024

Loosing [sic] a sibling feels like a connection between us was destroyed. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Latin, so, thus — more at so

Verb

alteration of seek

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sic

• sic passim
• sic (something) on (someone or something)

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