cite

¹

[sahyt]

verb (used with object)

cited, citing 

1. to quote (a passage, book, author, etc.), especially as an authority.

   He cited the Constitution in his defense.

2. to mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

   He cited many instances of abuse of power.

3. to summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court.

4. to call to mind; recall.

   citing my gratitude to him.

5. Military.,  to mention (a soldier, unit, etc.) in orders, as for gallantry.

6. to commend, as for outstanding service, hard work, or devotion to duty.

7. to summon or call; rouse to action.

cite

²

[sahyt]

noun

1. citation.

cite

/ saɪt /

verb

1. to quote or refer to (a passage, book, or author) in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example

2. to mention or commend (a soldier, etc) for outstanding bravery or meritorious action

3. to summon to appear before a court of law

4. to enumerate

   he cited the king's virtues

Other Word Forms

• citable adjective
• citeable adjective
• citer noun
• noncitable adjective
• nonciteable adjective
• uncitable adjective
• unciteable adjective
• uncited adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cite¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin citāre “to hurry, set in motion, summon before a court,” frequentative of ciēre “to move, set in motion”

Origin of cite²

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of cite¹

C15: from Old French citer to summon, from Latin citāre to rouse, from citus quick, from ciēre to excite

Example Sentences

Of California’s roughly 80 giant sequoia groves, McKinley was ranked among the most vulnerable to fire, according to Ben Blom of the League, citing a report that has not been publicly released.

From Los Angeles Times

Representatives for Volman confirmed the death to Rolling Stone, citing a “brief, unexpected illness.”

From Los Angeles Times

It also cited broader evidence of alleged war crimes by both the RSF and the regular army, however both sides have previously denied any wrongdoing in the country's ongoing civil war.

From BBC

But less than a year after this filing, the company returned to court last month to declare bankruptcy once again, citing the loss of nearly $257 million between March and June.

From Los Angeles Times

She cited festivals in mission towns, such as Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta, where people dress up like the Californios of yore to remember a romanticized era that was destined to end badly.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allege 
• allude to www.thesaurus.com
• indicate 
• mention 
• name 
• offer 
• point out 
• present 
• recount 
• refer to www.thesaurus.com
• repeat 
• specify 
• spell out 
• tell