elicit

verb elic·it \i-ˈli-sət\

: to get (a response, information, etc.) from someone

Full Definition of ELICIT

transitive verb

: to draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential) <hypnotism elicited his hidden fears>

: to call forth or draw out (as information or a response) <her remarks elicited cheers>

— elic·i·ta·tion \i-ˌli-sə-ˈtā-shən, ˌē-\ noun

— elic·i·tor \i-ˈli-sə-tər\ noun

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Examples of ELICIT

If ever there was a two-way pleasure street, it's the delight a baby takes in being tickled and the joy the parent experiences in the tumble of laughter it elicits. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 17 Jan. 2005
Gingrich elicits perhaps the greatest sympathy when he talks about the challenge of graduating from a rabble-rousing backbencher in the House minority to presiding over (and trying to control) the first Republican majority in 40 years. —Richard L. Berke, New York Times Book Review, 17 May 1998
In a wild, captive wolf that is not socialized to man, approach will elicit flight and, if the wolf is cornered, a defensive reaction may be triggered, which is termed the critical-distance reaction. —Michael W. Fox, The Soul of the Wolf, 1980
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Origin of ELICIT

Latin elicitus, past participle of elicere, from e- + lacere to allure

First Known Use: 1605

Related to ELICIT

Synonyms: educe, evoke, inspire, raise

Synonym Discussion of ELICIT

educe, evoke, elicit, extract, extort mean to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved. educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent <educed order out of chaos>. evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory <a song that evokes warm memories>. elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response <careful questioning elicited the truth>. extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information <extracted a confession from him>. extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly <extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform>.