titillate

/ˌtɪdəˈleɪt/

Other forms: titillating; titillated; titillates

A juicy steak may titillate your taste buds, or your friend's locked diary may titillate your curiosity. Titillate means to excite someone's imagination.

Titillate comes from a Latin verb that means "tickle," and anything that titillates does seem to tickle the imagination. Sensational news headlines are deliberately written to titillate, making it hard not to pay attention to them. A display of fabulous pastries in a bakery window can titillate your appetite, while whispered rumors about your high school principal's past life as a rodeo clown may titillate your curiosity.

Definitions of titillate

1. verb

   stimulate or excite the senses or feelings of
   “A titillating story appeared in the usually conservative magazine”

   type of:

   excite, shake, shake up, stimulate, stir

   stir the feelings, emotions, or peace of
2. verb

   (archaic) touch a body part lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements
   synonyms: tickle, vellicate

   type of:

   itch

   have or perceive an itch