titillate

[ tit-l-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, tit·il·lat·ed, tit·il·lat·ing.

1. to excite or arouse agreeably, often in a sexually suggestive way:

   She knows how to titillate the senses and enthrall the mind of her readers with her excellent storytelling.

   Synonyms: tempt, rouse

2. to tickle; excite a tingling or itching sensation in, as by touching or stroking lightly.

titillate

/ ˈtɪtɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. to arouse, tease, interest, or excite pleasurably and often superficially
2. to cause a tickling or tingling sensation in, esp by touching

Derived Forms

• ˌtitilˈlation, noun
• ˈtitilˌlatingly, adverb
• ˈtitilˌlative, adjective
• ˈtitilˌlating, adjective

Other Words From

• tit·il·la·tion noun
• tit·il·la·tive adjective
• un·tit·il·lat·ed adjective
• un·tit·il·lat·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of titillate¹

First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin tītillātus, past participle of tītillāre “to tickle”; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of titillate¹

C17: from Latin tītillāre

Example Sentences

However, it also titillated and delighted countless fans upon its release and in the 40 years since.

From Washington Blade

At best, the nightly handoffs between Fox News primetime hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham are generally awkward one-minute affairs where the two stars attempt to exchange “comedic” banter to titillate their MAGA viewership.

From The Daily Beast

Longstanding rumors of a theme park dedicated entirely to Disney villains have kept fans titillated for years — and though it’s apparently nothing more than an internet myth, it’s a telling sign of how popular Disney villains really are.

From Vox

Isolated lesbians learned that there were other women like them via books whose covers aimed to titillate heterosexual men.

From The Daily Beast

This gave me a good opportunity to titillate both sides of his neck, and he sprang round again.

From Project Gutenberg

Out of the dense formations of endless fast food chains, Simon's novelties were to titillate the jaded restaurant goer.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't care for books that only titillate one's imagination.

From Project Gutenberg

Whether or no the involutions of the "Golden Bowl" will titillate his arcane sensibilities.

From Project Gutenberg

She has spent hours in the hot kitchen trying to concoct some dainty that may titillate that sickly palate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• amuse
• entertain
• tantalize
• tease
• tickle