Elicit

/ɪˈlɪsɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to draw out a response, answer, or fact from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions.

The teacher tried to elicit a response from the quiet student.

to bring to light or to bring out something hidden or concealed.

The investigation was able to elicit new evidence.

to produce or provoke a reaction or feeling.

The documentary was designed to elicit an emotional response from viewers.

to evoke or extract information from a source.

The counselor aimed to elicit feelings of comfort and safety during the session.

From Latin 'elicere', meaning 'to draw out, bring forth'.

elicit a response

to provoke an answer or reaction from someone.

elicit information

to obtain facts or details from someone.

evoke

to bring or recall a feeling, memory, or image to the conscious mind.

extract

to remove or take out, especially by effort or force.

To get someone to reveal something.

He managed to elicit the truth from her after some prodding.

To draw out feelings or emotions.

Her song really elicited some tears from the audience.