v.
Pronunciation: ' s ī t
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: cit · ed ; cit · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French citer to cite, summon, from Latin citare to put in motion, rouse, summon, from frequentative of ci ē re to stir, move ― more at -KINESIS
Date: 15th century
1 : to call upon officially or authoritatively to appear (as before a court)
2 : to quote by way of example, authority, or proof < cite s several noteworthy authors>
3 a : to refer to especially : to mention formally in commendation or praise b : to name in a citation
4 : to bring forward or call to another's attention especially as an example, proof, or precedent < cite d the weather as a reason for canceling the picnic>
synonyms see SUMMON
– cit · able \ ' s ī -t ə -b ə l \ adjective