titillate

American  

[tit-l-eyt] / ˈtɪt lˌeɪt /

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.

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titillate British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of titillate

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

Explanation

A juicy steak may titillate your taste buds, or your friend's locked diary may titillate your curiosity. Titillate means to excite someone's imagination. Titillate comes from a Latin verb that means "tickle," and anything that titillates does seem to tickle the imagination. Sensational news headlines are deliberately written to titillate, making it hard not to pay attention to them. A display of fabulous pastries in a bakery window can titillate your appetite, while whispered rumors about your high school principal's past life as a rodeo clown may titillate your curiosity.

Related Words

• amuse
• entertain
• tantalize
• tease
• tickle