excite

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to cause a particular feeling or reaction in people.

v. to elicit or provoke a specific response, interest, or emotion.

“The new book excited a lot of interest among local historians.”

“The discovery of the ancient ruins excited considerable debate among archaeologists regarding the true age of the settlement.”

C1 · Advanced Science Technical

v. to give energy to a particle, like an electron, so it moves to a higher level.

v. to cause an atom or molecule to transition to a higher energy state, typically by the absorption of a photon.

“The laser is used to excite the atoms in the gas chamber.”

“When the incoming radiation excites the electrons, they jump to a higher orbital before eventually releasing energy as light.”

C2 · Proficiency Science Technical

v. to pass an electric current through a coil to create a magnetic field.

v. to supply an electric current to the windings of an electromagnet or generator to produce a magnetic flux.

“The technician had to excite the magnetic coils before the machine could start.”

“The generator's field coils must be excited by a direct current to establish the magnetic field necessary for power production.”