titillate

[tit-l-eyt]

verb (used with object)

titillated, titillating 

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

Other Word Forms

• titillation noun
• titillative adjective
• untitillated adjective
• untitillating adjective
• titillating adjective
• titillatingly adverb

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

The judge said that Williams had used her position as a primary school teacher to "titillate" Surtees.

Read more on BBC

After that, his unclaimed body began its wanderings: as a greeter for an Oklahoma funeral home, as a sideshow attraction for touring carnivals, and even in a titillating 1933 pre-Code film, “Narcotic.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But he said he was "proud, ready and more than able to pleasure and titillate my friends at Glastonbury" when he became the first act to be confirmed for this year's festival.

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While giving up physical intimacy might sound like the opposite of titillating, those familiar with the demands of monogamy and motherhood could recognize the erotic potential of solitude.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I want there to be a little bit of titillating and vibration going on.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amuse 
• entertain 
• tantalize 
• tease 
• tickle