verb (used with object)
- to draw or bring out or forth; educe; evoke: to elicit the truth; to elicit a response with a question.
verb (tr)
- to give rise to; evoketo elicit a sharp retort
- to bring to lightto elicit the truth
1640s, from Latin elicitus, past participle of elicere “draw forth,” from ex- “out” (see ex-) + -licere, comb. form of lacere “to entice, lure, deceive” (related to laqueus “noose, snare;” see lace (n.)). Related: Elicited; eliciting; elicits; elicitation.