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

The limited-time deal, which has been around for 20 years, was cited as the restaurant’s source of downfall.

From Salon

That worked in California’s favor in 2019, when Ford, Honda and other automakers sidestepped the Trump administration’s efforts to weaken emissions standards and made a deal with California, citing the need for “regulatory certainty.”

From Los Angeles Times

The eventual winner of Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, pulled out of Miss Universe last week citing an undisclosed medical condition.

From BBC

In attempting to define the word on SNL, she cited an incident where US businesswoman Martha Stewart had mistakenly claimed a journalist who covered her legal proceedings was dead.

From BBC

Dr. Sasse cited his wife’s deteriorating health as the reason for his departure.

From New York Times

Related Words

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