excite

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verb ex·cite \ ik-ˈsīt , ek- \

Definition of excite

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

See excite defined for English-language learners

See excite defined for kids

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 of excite from the Web

Just Buy American Natural wine may have started as a love affair with the Old World, but now even Europeans are getting excited by stuff migrating over from the States.

— belle cushing, Bon Appetit, "So, What Exactly Is Natural Wine?," 28 Aug. 2017
The doors opened Thursday for the first day of class at Hoag Performance Center, the Chargers’ new home in Costa Mesa, and everyone was excited.

— dan woike, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Chargers rave about new facility: 'Everything's an upgrade'," 24 Aug. 2017
The right extracurriculars can make even the most reluctant student excited about school.

— rebecca mcbane, South Florida Parenting, "An involved parent can make the difference in a student's academic success," 9 Aug. 2017
New Job will get anyone excited for their next gig with its paper, cedarwood and leather scent that's finished with a hint of citrus.

— lyndsey matthews, Country Living, "These Candles Will Remind You of Your Favorite Childhood Memories," 8 Aug. 2017
So, naturally, Jayhawk fans should be excited with the news of a quarterback competition in fall camp between two legitimate candidates, who just happen to be roommates.

— alec mcchesney, kansascity, "Roommates Carter Stanley and Peyton Bender vie for Kansas starting QB position," 5 Aug. 2017
The Employee Rights Act would excite a hungry conservative base and demonstrate real progress for working-class voters who pulled the lever for Trump.

— akash chougule, National Review, "Senate and House Republicans, Please Set American Workers Free," 31 July 2017
There was plenty to be excited about for FC Kansas City prior to its match on Saturday night against the Orlando Pride, as the Blues celebrated their 100th game in the National Women’s Soccer League.

— alec mcchesney, kansascity, "FC Kansas City drops game at Orlando," 15 July 2017
Cloning, like IVF before it, excites little comment.

— The Economist, "If human cloning happenedHow the story of human cloning could unfold," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'excite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of excite

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

excite Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

EXCITE Defined for English Language Learners

excite

play

verb

Definition of excite for English Language Learners

: to cause feelings of enthusiasm in (someone) : to make (someone) feel energetic and eager to do something
: to cause (a particular emotion or reaction) to be felt or to happen
: to increase the activity of (something, such as nerve tissue)

EXCITE Defined for Kids

excite

play

verb ex·cite \ ik-ˈsīt \

Definition of excite for Students

excited; exciting

1 :to stir up feeling in

The announcement excited the children.

2 :to increase the activity of

This chemical excites nerve cells.

Medical Dictionary

excite

play

transitive verb ex·cite \ ik-ˈsīt \

medical Definition of excite

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

Learn More about excite

See words that rhyme with excite Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for excite Spanish Central: Translation of excite Nglish: Translation of excite for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of excite for Arabic speakers

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EXCITE Defined for English Language Learners

excite

Definition of excite for English Language Learners

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excite

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Medical Dictionary

excite

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