elicit

verb

elic·​it i-ˈli-sət How to pronounce elicit (audio)
elicited; eliciting; elicits

transitive verb

1
: to call forth or draw out (something, such as information or a response)
her remarks elicited cheers
2
: to draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential)
hypnotism elicited his hidden fears
elicitation noun
elicitor noun

Did you know?

The Latin Roots of Elicit

Elicit comes from the Latin verb elicere, from the prefix e-, meaning "away," and lacere, "to entice by charm or attraction."

Choose the Right Synonym for elicit

educe, evoke, elicit, extract, extort mean to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved.

educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory.

a song that evokes warm memories

elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

Examples of elicit in a Sentence

If ever there was a two-way pleasure street, it's the delight a baby takes in being tickled and the joy the parent experiences in the tumble of laughter it elicits. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 17 Jan. 2005
Gingrich elicits perhaps the greatest sympathy when he talks about the challenge of graduating from a rabble-rousing backbencher in the House minority to presiding over (and trying to control) the first Republican majority in 40 years. Richard L. Berke, New York Times Book Review, 17 May 1998
In a wild, captive wolf that is not socialized to man, approach will elicit flight and, if the wolf is cornered, a defensive reaction may be triggered, which is termed the critical-distance reaction. Michael W. Fox, The Soul of the Wolf, 1980
She's been trying to elicit the support of other committee members. My question elicited no response. She's been unable to elicit much sympathy from the public.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is not something meant to elicit praise, surprise, disgust or a call from my gastroenterologist. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 That assessment is likely to elicit wide eyes and snarky responses across college football, but her case comes with an important caveat. Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 5 June 2025 Exploiting this vulnerability, 764 members tend to elicit fear by threatening to share a victim’s explicit or harmful content with family and friends or publicly online, ultimately forcing them to comply with their demands. Alex Vance, Parents, 4 June 2025 But the visit did reinforce indications of another trend that has elicited concern among some Israeli observers. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for elicit

Word History

Etymology

Latin elicitus, past participle of elicere, from e- + lacere to allure

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of elicit was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Elicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elicit. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

elicit

verb
elic·​it i-ˈlis-ət How to pronounce elicit (audio)
: to draw out often by skillful questioning or discussion
elicit the truth from a witness
elicitation noun
elicitor noun

More from Merriam-Webster on elicit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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