ex·cite / ikˈsīt/ • v. [tr.] 1. cause strong feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness in (someone): flying still excites me. ∎  arouse (someone) sexually: his kiss thrilled and excited her.2. bring out or give rise to (a feeling or reaction): the ability to excite interest in others.3. produce a state of increased energy or activity in (a physical or biological system): the energy of an electron is sufficient to excite the atom.

excite XIV. — (O)F. exciter or L. excitāre, frequent. of exciēre (pp. excitus) call out or forth; see EX-1, CITE.
So excitation XIV. — (O)F. — late L. excitement †instigation, incentive XVII; (path.) abnormal activity XVIII; mental stimulation XIX.