ˈsīt, usu -īd.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle French citer to cite, summon, from Latin citare to put in motion, summon, from citus quick, from past participle of cire, ciēre to put in motion, excite — more at hight
1.
a. : to call upon officially or authoritatively to appear before a court : summon
b. obsolete : to summon to some action : arouse , excite
cite the young desires — William Shenstone
2. : to quote by way of evidence, authority, proof
a list of Biblical phrases cited in a recent volume — J.L.Lowes
3.
a. : to bring to mind : recall
citing praise
cite his virtuous life
: refer to : know
these irregulars, cited as the duke's scouts
b. : to name formally, typically in commendation or praise
cited by the trustees for his work in public health
c. : to name in a citation
4. : to bring forward, mention, call to another's attention especially as an example, proof, or precedent
one could cite other examples without number — B.N.Cardozo
5.
[Spanish citar, from Latin citare ]
of a bullfighter : to challenge or provoke (a bull) especially by a movement of the cape
Synonyms:
advance , adduce , allege : cite indicates bringing forward as relevant, cogent, and specific in an argument, inquiry, or discussion
many works also have been the product of extensive consultation …, Child's English and Scottish Ballads, to cite … one of the very great monuments — F.N.Robinson
Columbus had also some objective evidence to cite — G.C.Sellery
advance stresses the notion of bringing forward for or as if for consideration, discussion, analysis without implications about its validity
once or twice psychoanalysts have advanced that idea to me as a theoretical possibility — Bernard De Voto
the story may well be regarded as untrue, as it was not advanced until six centuries after Amr's death — Encyc. Americana
adduce is close to cite in its suggestions about bringing forth as evidence; it may lack some of the specific suggestion of the latter
the old arguments from miracle and prophecy are now seldom adduced — W.R.Inge
numerous examples to the contrary might be adduced from the history of the Catholic church or of the socialist movement — M.R.Cohen
allege may indicate bringing forward and stating or affirming without proving
younger scholars nevertheless can allege a very strong point on their side and win at least a debater's victory — Howard M. Jones
allege may stress doubt about an assertion and convey a warning and a disclaimer of responsibility for the truth of whatever is under discussion
the presence, real or alleged, of some hostile group — John Dewey
Synonym: see in addition quote .