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

Mia le Roux who was set to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe finals this weekend in Mexico has pulled out of the competition, organisers have announced, citing health concerns.

From BBC

A federal judge granted a requested delay in January 6 defendant William Pope’s criminal trial on Thursday, citing the “real possibility” that a pardon from Donald Trump would render the proceedings moot.

From Salon

She said her online political posts were cited as the reason for her firing.

From Los Angeles Times

Dolours asks, citing Gandhi and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., when her father mocks sit-ins and marches.

From Los Angeles Times

And the groups gained a certain legitimacy — they were cited hundreds of times by six of the largest U.S. news outlets, including The New York Times.

From Salon

Related Words

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