verb (used with object), cit·ed, cit·ing.
- to quote (a passage, book, author, etc.), especially as an authority: He cited the Constitution in his defense.
- to mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example: He cited many instances of abuse of power.
- to summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court.
- to call to mind; recall: citing my gratitude to him.
- Military. to mention (a soldier, unit, etc.) in orders, as for gallantry.
- to commend, as for outstanding service, hard work, or devotion to duty.
- to summon or call; rouse to action.
verb (tr)
- to quote or refer to (a passage, book, or author) in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example
- to mention or commend (a soldier, etc) for outstanding bravery or meritorious action
- to summon to appear before a court of law
- to enumeratehe cited the king’s virtues
v.mid-15c., “to summon,” from Old French citer “to summon” (14c.), from Latin citare “to summon, urge, call; put in sudden motion, call forward; rouse, excite,” frequentative of ciere “to move, set in motion, stir, rouse, call, invite” from PIE root *keie- “to set in motion, to move to and fro” (cf. Sanskrit cyavate “stirs himself, goes;” Greek kinein “to move, set in motion; change, stir up,” kinymai “move myself;” Gothic haitan “call, be called;” Old English hatan “command, call”). Sense of “calling forth a passage of writing” is first attested 1530s. Related: Cited; citing.