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
The viral photos and videos of the destruction have elicited strong emotions for many Americans.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
But the piece de resistance is a small button on the face of the guitar that, when pressed, activates a chip on a soundboard that elicits the distinctive roar of Godzilla.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
This luxurious property sizzles with gracious elegance and impeccable service, eliciting over-the-top reviews from guests.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Though the White House has gone through many renovations over the years, the ballroom project has elicited concerns from architectural societies.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elicit
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Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
But the piece de resistance is a small button on the face of the guitar that, when pressed, activates a chip on a soundboard that elicits the distinctive roar of Godzilla.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
This luxurious property sizzles with gracious elegance and impeccable service, eliciting over-the-top reviews from guests.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Though the White House has gone through many renovations over the years, the ballroom project has elicited concerns from architectural societies.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 22 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 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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