excite

excite

verb

Definition of EXCITE

1

to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings <for some reason the first snowfall of the season never fails to excite us>

Synonyms charge, electrify, excite, exhilarate, galvanize, intoxicate, pump up, titillate, turn on

Related Words arouse, incite, inspire, provoke, stimulate; bewitch, captivate, charm, delight, enchant, enthrall (or enthral), hypnotize, mesmerize, rivet, spellbind; interest, intrigue, tantalize

Near Antonyms bore, jade, pall, tire, weary; deject, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

2

to rouse to strong feeling or action <televised pictures of the victims of the famine that would excite any viewer to pity>

Synonyms arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, instigate, move, pique, rev (up), spark, stimulate, stir

Related Words fan, ignite, inflame (also enflame), kindle, trigger; activate, animate, drive, energize, galvanize, induce, inspire, key (up), motivate, motive, pump up, quicken, set off, vitalize; abet, ferment, foment, raise, whip (up); anger, enrage, madden, upset; jeer, taunt, tease; aggravate, annoy, bother, exasperate, gall, get, irritate, vex

Near Antonyms calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize (also tranquillize); appease, mollify, pacify, placate