cite
1 Americanverb (used with object)
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to quote (a passage, book, author, etc.), especially as an authority.
He cited the Constitution in his defense.
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to mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.
He cited many instances of abuse of power.
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to summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court.
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to call to mind; recall.
citing my gratitude to him.
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Military. to mention (a soldier, unit, etc.) in orders, as for gallantry.
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to commend, as for outstanding service, hard work, or devotion to duty.
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to summon or call; rouse to action.
noun
verb
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to quote or refer to (a passage, book, or author) in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example
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to mention or commend (a soldier, etc) for outstanding bravery or meritorious action
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to summon to appear before a court of law
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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
Etymology
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 cite1
An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; by shortening
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
USA Today reported that he died from complications of a routine surgical procedure, citing his widow’s social media post.
From Los Angeles Times
Many potential jurors criticized Facebook's early days -- it was designed as a platform for college students to rate women's looks -- and cited the Cambridge Analytica privacy breach of 2018.
From Barron's
Scotland had a whirlwind build-up after finding out only two weeks ago that they would replace Bangladesh, who were kicked out after they refused to play in India, citing security concerns.
From Barron's
Among the arguments cited for the continued relevance of software: Vendors have proprietary data and deep industry expertise that’s not easily replicated.
Belfast City Council is now considering a proposal to revoke Senator Mitchell's Freedom of the City honour, citing concerns about his links to Epstein.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
