cite

¹

[ sahyt ]

verb (used with object)

, cit·ed, cit·ing.

1. to quote (a passage, book, author, etc.), especially as an authority:

   He cited the Constitution in his defense.

2. to mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example:

   He cited many instances of abuse of power.

3. to summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court.
4. to call to mind; recall:

   citing my gratitude to him.

5. Military. to mention (a soldier, unit, etc.) in orders, as for gallantry.
6. to commend, as for outstanding service, hard work, or devotion to duty.
7. to summon or call; rouse to action.

cite

²

[ sahyt ]

noun

1. citation ( defs 7, 8 ).

cite

/ saɪt /

verb

1. to quote or refer to (a passage, book, or author) in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example
2. to mention or commend (a soldier, etc) for outstanding bravery or meritorious action
3. to summon to appear before a court of law
4. to enumerate

   he cited the king's virtues

Derived Forms

• ˈciter, noun
• ˈcitable, adjective

Other Words From

• cit·a·ble cite·a·ble adjective
• cit·er noun
• non·cit·a·ble adjective
• non·cite·a·ble adjective
• un·cit·a·ble adjective
• un·cite·a·ble adjective
• un·cit·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cite¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin citāre “to hurry, set in motion, summon before a court,” frequentative of ciēre “to move, set in motion”

Origin of cite²

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of cite¹

C15: from Old French citer to summon, from Latin citāre to rouse, from citus quick, from ciēre to excite

Example Sentences

Neither promoter Goldenvoice nor representatives for each artist responded to requests for comment on the bill, but outlets including Rolling Stone have cited them as likely or confirmed performers.

From Los Angeles Times

The city of Fresno initially pledged $3 million for the project but pulled the money back in February, citing a budget shortfall.

From Los Angeles Times

The men provided only their first names to The Times, citing job security concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the law, city employees and city property may not be used to “investigate, cite, arrest, hold, transfer or detain any person” for the purpose of immigration enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

The uncertainty over Guardiola’s future has been cited by some as a reason for the team's poor form.

From BBC

Related Words

• allege
• allude to
• indicate
• mention
• name
• offer
• point out
• present
• recount
• refer to
• repeat
• specify
• spell out
• tell