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Synonyms

cite

1 American  
[sahyt] / saɪt /

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 American  
[sahyt] / saɪt /

noun

  1. citation.


cite British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

They have cited the Civil Rights Act of 1960, which allows them to request voter information, but requires the government to provide the basis and purpose for doing so.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The petition cites that the mechanical door release is hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive to locate during an emergency,” the ODI said.

From The Wall Street Journal

When researchers look for related work to cite, Bing Chat -- described as the first widely adopted AI powered search tool -- performed better at surfacing newer papers and relevant books than traditional search tools.

From Science Daily

A Serbian court dropped charges Wednesday against a former construction minister over the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse that killed 16 people, citing a lack of evidence.

From Barron's

A crypto skeptic suggests investors are rotating out of Bitcoin into gold and silver, citing fund flow evidence.

From Barron's