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
In particular, this important annual meal seems to elicit a lot of unnecessary stress around body size and food.
—Virgie Tovar, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
The barb would elicit responses from both Drake and J. Cole, with J. Cole bowing out early, leaving the rhyme war focused squarely on Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 21 Nov. 2024
The tracks aim to elicit the hype of an esports anthem while staying true to the sweeping, heroic sounds of the game’s original score.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024
Goldberg's Hot Topics talk elicited backlash as viewers sounded off in the comments section.
—Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elicit 
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Virgie Tovar, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
The barb would elicit responses from both Drake and J. Cole, with J. Cole bowing out early, leaving the rhyme war focused squarely on Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 21 Nov. 2024
The tracks aim to elicit the hype of an esports anthem while staying true to the sweeping, heroic sounds of the game’s original score.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024
Goldberg's Hot Topics talk elicited backlash as viewers sounded off in the comments section.
—Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 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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