elicited; eliciting; elicits
1
: to call forth or draw out (something, such as information or a response)
her remarks elicited cheers
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The Latin Roots of Elicit
Elicit comes from the Latin verb elicere, from the prefix e-, meaning "away," and lacere, "to entice by charm or attraction."
Examples of elicit in a Sentence
If ever there was a two-way pleasure street, it's the delight a baby takes in being tickled and the joy the parent experiences in the tumble of laughter it elicits.
—
Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 17 Jan. 2005
Gingrich elicits perhaps the greatest sympathy when he talks about the challenge of graduating from a rabble-rousing backbencher in the House minority to presiding over (and trying to control) the first Republican majority in 40 years.
—Richard L. Berke, New York Times Book Review, 17 May 1998
In a wild, captive wolf that is not socialized to man, approach will elicit flight and, if the wolf is cornered, a defensive reaction may be triggered, which is termed the critical-distance reaction.
—Michael W. Fox, The Soul of the Wolf, 1980
She's been trying to elicit the support of other committee members.
My question elicited no response.
She's been unable to elicit much sympathy from the public.
Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 17 Jan. 2005
Gingrich elicits perhaps the greatest sympathy when he talks about the challenge of graduating from a rabble-rousing backbencher in the House minority to presiding over (and trying to control) the first Republican majority in 40 years.
—Richard L. Berke, New York Times Book Review, 17 May 1998
In a wild, captive wolf that is not socialized to man, approach will elicit flight and, if the wolf is cornered, a defensive reaction may be triggered, which is termed the critical-distance reaction.
—Michael W. Fox, The Soul of the Wolf, 1980
She's been trying to elicit the support of other committee members.
My question elicited no response.
She's been unable to elicit much sympathy from the public.
Recent Examples on the Web
Throughout the trial's second day, the prosecution, led by Special Prosecutor Shane Young, elicited testimony and evidence against Lawson, 54, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
In conclusion, the summertime elicits thoughts of swimming, BBQing, and vacationing.
—Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The 23andMe bankruptcy earlier this year elicited fears about the security of genetic data belonging to the company's roughly 15 million customers.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Sharon Miller Snohomish, Wash. Helfand’s piece elicited rueful recognition.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for elicit
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Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
In conclusion, the summertime elicits thoughts of swimming, BBQing, and vacationing.
—Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The 23andMe bankruptcy earlier this year elicited fears about the security of genetic data belonging to the company's roughly 15 million customers.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Sharon Miller Snohomish, Wash. Helfand’s piece elicited rueful recognition.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for elicit
Cite this Entry
“Elicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elicit. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elicit
verb
elic·it
i-ˈlis-ət 
: to draw out often by skillful questioning or discussion
elicit the truth from a witness
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