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Definition of titillate

titillate

/ˈtɪt.ɪ.leɪt/
tit · il · late
Adverb:titillatingly
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Adjective:titillating
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Past Simple:titillated
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Past Participle:titillated
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Present Participle:titillating
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titillate Lexical Profile

titillate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To stimulate or excite in an agreeable, intriguing, or mildly provocative way.

Example

"The tabloid headlines were designed to titillate readers with rumours of celebrity scandals."

2

To touch or stroke lightly so as to cause a tingling or tickling sensation.

Example

"The chef crafted a citrus sorbet meant to titillate the palate between heavy courses."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Although originally meaning literally 'to tickle,' 'titillate' in modern usage almost always implies arousing mild, superficial excitement, curiosity, or slightly scandalous pleasure rather than deep intellectual or emotional engagement.

• Nearby Words

tithing
tithonia
titi
titillate
titillating
title
titled

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from the Latin past participle stem 'titillatus', from the verb 'titillare', meaning 'to tickle'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Titillate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/titillate
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