de-excite

or de·ex·cite

[ dee-ik-sahyt ]

verb (used with object)

, de-ex·cit·ed, de-ex·cit·ing.

1. to cause (an atom) to fall from an excited energy level to a lower energy level.

verb (used without object)

, de-ex·cit·ed, de-ex·cit·ing.

1. to become de-excited.

Other Words From

• de-ex·ci·tation deex·ci·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of de-excite¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Later scientists observed this so-called Hoyle state and confirmed that the carbon then emitted gamma rays to de-excite down to its ground, or stable, state.

From Scientific American