excite

verb

ex·cite | \ ik-ˈsīt ,

ek- \

excited; exciting

Definition of excite

transitive verb

1a : 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

2a : 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 Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about excite

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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 Emmy nominations were released this morning, and while there are always some notable snubs (justice for Jodie Comer!) there’s plenty to be excited about among this year’s contenders. — Anna Silman, The Cut, "Sandra Oh and Issa Rae Finally Got the Emmy Nods They Deserve," 12 July 2018 Cooper was excited to meet a pirate walking in the parade. — Gloria Casas, Elgin Courier-News, "Elgin celebrates Fourth of July with parade through neighborhoods," 4 July 2018 Once Stormi Webster was born though, Kylie was excited to share her journey of motherhood with the world—for a while, anyway. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Kylie Jenner Broke Her Own Ban on Posting Pictures of Stormi," 1 July 2018 Cynthia Jones, 57, who sat on a bench on the lawn of City Hall, was excited to see some of her favorite gospel artists and celebrate the anniversary of the organization. — Brooke A. Lewis, Houston Chronicle, "Houston NAACP celebrates 100th anniversary," 1 July 2018 Chesterton mom Roslyn Davila and her sons, Jack, 9, and Abel, 7, were excited to learn about the current camps offered. — Sue Ellen Ross, Post-Tribune, "Discovering the wonders of the dunes," 11 June 2018 When Colonel Robert Parker made his surprise debut in Major League Wrestling last February, the crowd at Gilt Nightclub in Orlando was thrilled and excited to see him. — Jay Reddick, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Col. Robert Parker having fun in MLW after 20 years away from wrestling," 12 July 2018 Midterms are determined in large part by base mobilization, and Republicans have won plenty of elections while campaigning on positions that excite their base, while alienating most everyone else. — Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Abolishing ICE Is About As Popular As Trump’s Immigration Agenda," 11 July 2018 In 2015, when the Madison, Wis., Police Department accepted 600 doses of Evzio, Chief Michael Koval was excited to arm his officers with naloxone. — Max Blau, STAT, "Donations of $4,500 overdose antidote were PR gold for drug maker — but some kits were close to expiring," 18 June 2018

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.