titillates
|tɪt-ɪ-leɪts|
/ˈtɪt.ɪ.leɪt/
(titillate)
stimulate
Etymology
'titillate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'titillāre', where the root 'titill-' meant 'to tickle'.
'titillāre' passed into Old French as 'titiller' and later entered English via Modern Latin/French influence as 'titillate' in the early 17th century.
Initially it meant 'to tickle' in a physical sense, but over time the meaning expanded to 'to lightly excite or arouse (emotion, interest, or sexual feeling)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to excite or arouse mildly, often in a pleasurable or sexually suggestive way.
The novel's playful innuendo titillates its readers.
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Verb 2
to tickle physically; to cause a tingling or light itching sensation.
The feather titillates the skin behind his ear.
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Verb 3
to stimulate interest, curiosity, or anticipation (non-sexual).
The mysterious teaser titillates the public's curiosity.
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Last updated: 2025/09/26 19:21