excite

verb

ex·​cite ik-ˈsīt 

ek-

excited; exciting

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

2

a

: 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

• charge
• electrify
• exhilarate
• galvanize
• intoxicate
• pump up
• thrill
• titillate
• turn on

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

The pod cruised alongside the boat, allowing the crew and excited passengers to take pictures. —Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 23 Apr. 2024

Regardless, fans were excited by the glimpse into Spencer and Meghan’s friendship — and another look at Meghan's emerging brand. —Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024

Most were excited by the book, but some took issue with Babitz and Didion being paired together, leading Polson to issue an apology. —Jessica Ferri, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024

Or the natural nomad, with wandering in his blood, rolling dice, looking for work that excites him? —Benjamin Nugent, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2024

The delightfully strange combination works and has many excited. —Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2024

Keep the momentum flowing and your ideas manifesting into something that excites you. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2024

With a brand as big as Marvel attached a lot of people are excited by the possibilities of what appears to be Overwatch but with Marvel characters. —Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

That effort gets people excited and invested in the effort to bring these films and create a community collectively. —Liz Rothaus Betrand, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

excite

verb

ex·​cite ik-ˈsīt 

excited; exciting

1

: to stir up feeling in

ideas that excite young people

2

: to cause to be felt or done

excite admiration

posters excited interest in the show

3

a

: energize sense 2a

b

: to produce a magnetic field in

4

: to increase the activity of (as nervous tissue) : stimulate

5

: to raise (as an atom) to a higher energy level

exciter noun

Medical Definition

excite

transitive verb

ex·​cite ik-ˈsīt 

excited; exciting

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