elicit

[ih-lis-it]

verb (used with object)

1. to draw or bring out or forth; educe; evoke.

   to elicit the truth;

   to elicit a response with a question.

elicit

/ ɪˈlɪsɪt /

verb

1. to give rise to; evoke

   to elicit a sharp retort

2. to bring to light

   to elicit the truth

Other Word Forms

• elicitation noun
• elicitor noun
• elicitable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elicit¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin ēlicitus “drawn out” (past participle of ēlicere ), equivalent to ē- “from, out of” ( e- ¹ ) + lici- “draw, lure” + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of elicit¹

C17: from Latin ēlicere to lure forth, from licere to entice

Example Sentences

Such vaccines could induce broader immunity than whole-virus vaccines by eliciting antibody and T-cell responses that target an even wider range of flu viruses.

From Salon

Protests in Indonesia sparked by economic hardship have elicited a heavy-handed response from police, triggering concerns that the Southeast Asian nation could be returning to its authoritarian past.

From Los Angeles Times

That name is more likely to elicit polite recognition than the ecstatic nostalgia Oasis still inspires.

From Los Angeles Times

It wasn’t that long ago that I could wear my Arsenal sweatshirt out and about without eliciting much of a response, but no more.

From Los Angeles Times

Pirro’s tough-girl shtick may elicit praise from the boss and favorable coverage from her former Fox News peers, but it doesn’t translate to credibility in court.

From Salon

Related Words

• bring out 
• evoke 
• extort 
• extract 
• obtain 
• wrest 
• wring