elicited; eliciting; elicits
1
: to call forth or draw out (something, such as information or a response)
her remarks elicited cheers
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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."
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.
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
Pruners Few tools elicit more opinions among gardeners than do pruning shears.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 6 Dec. 2024
This initial research elicited encouraging results.
—Rm Clark, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024
The video — which has been viewed more than 10 million times — elicited thousands of comments.
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Among Republicans in the Senate, Gabbard’s nomination elicited a few glowing endorsements — but an impressive list of noncommittal statements.
—Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elicit 
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Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 6 Dec. 2024
This initial research elicited encouraging results.
—Rm Clark, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024
The video — which has been viewed more than 10 million times — elicited thousands of comments.
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Among Republicans in the Senate, Gabbard’s nomination elicited a few glowing endorsements — but an impressive list of noncommittal statements.
—Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elicit
Dictionary Entries Near elicit
Cite this Entry
“Elicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elicit. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elicit
verb
elic·it
i-ˈlis-ət 
: to draw out often by skillful questioning or discussion
elicit the truth from a witness
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