excite

verb

ex·​cite ik-ˈsīt 

ek-

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

Synonyms

• charge
• electrify
• exhilarate
• galvanize
• intoxicate
• pump up
• thrill
• titillate
• turn on

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

Autonomy in movement excites me - terrestrial, underwater, airspace and outer space. —Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

What excited you about being part of this iconic network's legacy? —H. Alan Scott, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

Even as Jokic, Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic have become dominant on the court, nothing excites N.B.A. viewers like James facing Curry in the playoffs, regardless of whether their teams have a legitimate chance at a championship. —Tania Ganguli, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

For all the love showered upon smaller, more intimate art-house fare, nothing excites Oscar voters — or at least the producers of the telecast — more than having a giant studio hit in the best picture race. —Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

excite

verb

ex·​cite ik-ˈsīt 

excited; exciting

1

: to stir up feeling in

ideas that excite young people

2

: to cause to be felt or done

excite admiration

posters excited interest in the show

3

a

: energize sense 2a

b

: to produce a magnetic field in

4

: to increase the activity of (as nervous tissue) : stimulate

5

: to raise (as an atom) to a higher energy level

exciter noun

Medical Definition

excite

transitive verb

ex·​cite ik-ˈsīt 

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