excite
UK[ɪkˈsaɪt]US[ɪkˈsaɪt]
v
To cause strong feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness in someone.
v
To cause a particular reaction, feeling, or activity in someone or something.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
cite
ex
out of, from, thoroughly.
cite
to set in motion, to call, to summon.
Etymology
The word 'excite' originates from the Latin verb excitare, which is an intensive form of exciere, meaning "to call out, rouse, or summon forth." This Latin root itself is composed of the prefix ex- ("out") and ciere ("to set in motion, to call"). The core semantic thread from its ancient origins to modern English is the idea of stirring something into action from a state of rest. Initially used in a physical sense, such as to rouse people from sleep or to provoke movement, its meaning evolved through Middle English and French to emphasize the stirring of emotions and mental faculties, leading to its current primary sense of eliciting strong feelings of enthusiasm or eagerness.
Analysis
Structure: ex + cite
- ex: A Latin prefix meaning "out of, from, thoroughly."
- cite: From Latin citare, meaning "to set in motion, to call, to summon."
Examples
The prospect of a holiday abroad began to excite the children.
The scientist's new discovery has excited considerable interest in the academic community.
Be careful not to excite the dog with sudden movements.