Excite
/ɪkˈsaɪt/noun
To arouse strong feeling, interest, or activity.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin excītāre, originally meaning to rouse, summon forth, or set in motion—an ancient verb of awakening rather than mere happiness.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
excītāre
“to rouse, call forth, set in motion”
Late Latin
Latin
excitat-
“roused, stirred up”
Old French
Old French
exciter
“to rouse, provoke, stir up”
14th Century
English
exciten
“to rouse from sleep or inactivity”
Modern English
English
excite
“to arouse strong feeling, interest, or activity”
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