elicit

[ ih-lis-it ]

verb (used with object)

1. to draw or bring out or forth; educe; evoke:

   to elicit the truth;

   to elicit a response with a question.

elicit

/ ɪˈlɪsɪt /

verb

1. to give rise to; evoke

   to elicit a sharp retort

2. to bring to light

   to elicit the truth

Derived Forms

• eˌliciˈtation, noun
• eˈlicitor, noun
• eˈlicitable, adjective

Other Words From

• e·lic·i·ta·tion [ih-lis-i-, tey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• e·lic·i·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of elicit¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin ēlicitus “drawn out” (past participle of ēlicere ), equivalent to ē- “from, out of” ( e- ¹ ) + lici- “draw, lure” + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of elicit¹

C17: from Latin ēlicere to lure forth, from licere to entice

Example Sentences

The lawyer's combative and sometimes aggressive tone elicited gasps from the public and the media inside the courtroom, and several people shook their heads in disbelief.

From BBC

"We thought texters might like abbreviations because it would convey an informal sense of closeness, so we were surprised that abbreviations elicited negative perceptions about people who use them."

From Science Daily

The move is the latest in the governor’s highly visible effort to shield California from the second edition of the Trump presidency, which has elicited predictable fury from the Republican standard-bearer.

From Los Angeles Times

“I elicited the services of a hypnotist to help get into a trance state,” the actor said.

From Los Angeles Times

These claims have elicited fear, hatred and anger among many voters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bring out
• evoke
• extort
• extract
• obtain
• wrest
• wring