# excitation

/ˌɛksaɪˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /ɛksɪtˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/excitation
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. physics/chemistry

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

the process where an atom or molecule gains energy and moves to a higher level.

For teachers: the transition of a nucleus, atom, or molecule to an excited state through the absorption of energy.

- The laser causes the excitation of the atoms in the gas.
- The researchers measured the photon emission following the electronic excitation of the sample under vacuum conditions.

### 2. biology/medicine

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

the way a nerve or muscle starts to work after it is stimulated.

For teachers: the physiological response or activity produced in a tissue or cell, such as a neuron, as a result of a stimulus.

- The drug increases the excitation of certain nerves in the brain.
- Abnormal neuronal excitation in the cortex is often a primary indicator of seizure activity in clinical patients.

### 3. general stimulation

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

the act of making something more active or waking it up.

For teachers: the act of rousing, awakening, or putting something into motion.

- The speech led to the excitation of the crowd's political feelings.
- The sudden excitation of public interest in the case forced the ministry to issue a formal statement ahead of schedule.

## Examples

- The laser causes the excitation of the atoms.
- The researchers measured the level of electronic excitation after the sample was exposed to high-intensity ultraviolet light.
- In quantum mechanics, the excitation of an electron requires the absorption of a photon with exactly the right amount of energy to bridge the gap between discrete energy levels.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.