titillate
titillate
UK[ˈtɪtɪleɪt]US[ˈtɪtɪleɪt]
v
to excite or stimulate someone pleasantly, often in a sexual way.
v
to cause a slight tingling or itching sensation.
Etymology
the verb 'titillate' entered english in the early 17th century, directly from the latin past participle 'titillatus', of the verb 'titillare', meaning 'to tickle'. the latin term is thought to be of imitative origin, possibly reduplicative, mimicking the light, repetitive action of tickling. this etymological sense of physical tickling evolved metaphorically in english to describe the act of exciting the mind, senses, or appetite in a light and teasing manner. thus, the modern abstract meaning of pleasurably stimulating or arousing interest retains the core idea of a light, provocative touch, transferred from the physical to the psychological realm.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from latin. it is not productively formed from separable english morphemes.
Examples
the gossip column was designed to titillate the readers.
the spicy aroma from the kitchen began to titillate my appetite.
the comedian's jokes were meant to amuse, not to titillate.