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
Arthur Knight2
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
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
ideas that excite young people Our announcement excited the children. The posters excited much interest in the show.
Recent Examples on the Web But as a woman, and more specifically a Black woman, Addai-Robinson’s addition to the lore didn’t exactly excite every fan who got an eyeful of early trailers and images of the series. Rivea Ruff, Essence, 31 Aug. 2022 Are there certain types of projects that don’t excite you? Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 June 2022 Moving onto her burger, Alexis admits her version of the recipe doesn't excite her as much. Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2022 There are also the political considerations, with Democrats eager to excite their base ahead of next year's elections. Edward-isaac Dovere And Manu Raju, CNN, 19 Dec. 2021 Tuman said Newsom’s decision to call out conservative pundits could also work to excite his own base. Taryn Luna Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2021 The Santa Cruz's design stands out in the angular, simple geometry of the pick-up world, and that's going to excite some people and disappoint others. Sebastian Blanco, Forbes, 31 Aug. 2021 New ticket sales are a significant first step for a Louisville program that last season struggled to excite its fan base, finishing 13-19 in a season that saw the school part ways with coach Chris Mack in January. Brett Dawson, The Courier-Journal, 26 May 2022 There are few rooms that can excite the senses like the kitchen, and few features spice up a cooking space like an amazing kitchen floor. Bebe Howorth, ELLE Decor, 18 July 2022 See More
Rivea Ruff, Essence, 31 Aug. 2022 Are there certain types of projects that don’t excite you? Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 June 2022 Moving onto her burger, Alexis admits her version of the recipe doesn't excite her as much. Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2022 There are also the political considerations, with Democrats eager to excite their base ahead of next year's elections. Edward-isaac Dovere And Manu Raju, CNN, 19 Dec. 2021 Tuman said Newsom’s decision to call out conservative pundits could also work to excite his own base. Taryn Luna Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2021 The Santa Cruz's design stands out in the angular, simple geometry of the pick-up world, and that's going to excite some people and disappoint others. Sebastian Blanco, Forbes, 31 Aug. 2021 New ticket sales are a significant first step for a Louisville program that last season struggled to excite its fan base, finishing 13-19 in a season that saw the school part ways with coach Chris Mack in January. Brett Dawson, The Courier-Journal, 26 May 2022 There are few rooms that can excite the senses like the kitchen, and few features spice up a cooking space like an amazing kitchen floor. Bebe Howorth, ELLE Decor, 18 July 2022 See More 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
The announcement excited the children.
2
: to increase the activity of
This chemical excites nerve cells.
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
excites
verb
1
as in thrills
to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings for some reason the first snowfall of the season never fails to excite us Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- thrills
- electrifies
- inspires
- delights
- titillates
- exhilarates
- intrigues
- galvanizes
- intoxicates
- arouses
- stimulates
- provokes
- incites
- enchants
- turns on
- captivates
- charges
- pumps up
- mesmerizes
- interests
- enthralls
- tantalizes
- hypnotizes
- bewitches
- enthrals
- rivets
- spellbinds
- charms
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- bores
- wearies
- palls
- discourages
- tires
- disheartens
- demoralizes
- jades
- dejects
- dispirits
2
as in provokes
to rouse to strong feeling or action televised pictures of the victims of the famine that would excite any viewer to pity Synonyms & Similar Words
- provokes
- encourages
- stimulates
- inspires
- arouses
- motivates
- stirs
- incites
- sparks
- piques
- instigates
- moves
- induces
- impassions
- motives
- drives
- ignites
- angers
- triggers
- energizes
- inflames
- galvanizes
- animates
- activates
- enrages
- bothers
- kindles
- vitalizes
- quickens
- fans
- irritates
- revs (up)
- foments
- fires (up)
- annoys
- upsets
- enflames
- exasperates
- maddens
- aggravates
- builds a fire under
- teases
- vexes
- abets
- ferments
- taunts
- sets off
- gets
- raises
- jeers
- keys (up)
- pumps up
- galls
- whips (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- calms
- soothes
- subdues
- appeases
- tranquilizes
- placates
- pacifies
- mollifies
- tranquillizes