/ saɪt; NAmE / verb [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
cite sth (as sth) to mention sth as a reason or an example, or in order to support what you are saying :
He cited his heavy workload as the reason for his breakdown.
➡ note at mention
2.
to speak or write the exact words from a book, an author, etc.
SYN quote
3.
( law ) to order sb to appear in court; to name sb officially in a legal case :
She was cited in the divorce proceedings.
4.
cite sb (for sth) to mention sb officially or publicly because they deserve special praise :
He was cited for bravery.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in sense 3, originally with reference to a court of ecclesiastical law): from Old French citer , from Latin citare , from ciere , cire to call.