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Titillation: meaning, definitions and examples

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titillation

 

[ ˌtɪt.ɪˈleɪ.ʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sensory arousal

Titillation refers to the act of stimulating or exciting someone, particularly in a pleasurable or provocative way. It can involve physical sensations, as well as emotional or intellectual stimulation. In many contexts, titillation is associated with light entertainment that sparks curiosity or desire.

Synonyms

arousal, excitement, stimulation, teasing

Examples of usage

  • The movie was filled with titillation and suspense.
  • She found the provocative book to be a source of titillation.
  • The advertisement was designed for titillation, drawing in viewers with its allure.
  • The performance aimed at titillation, leaving the audience both shocked and intrigued.

Translations

Translations of the word "titillation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estimulação

🇮🇳 उत्तेजना

🇩🇪 Erregung

🇮🇩 rangsangan

🇺🇦 збудження

🇵🇱 pobudzenie

🇯🇵 刺激

🇫🇷 titillation

🇪🇸 estimulación

🇹🇷 uyarı

🇰🇷 자극

🇸🇦 تحفيز

🇨🇿 vzrušení

🇸🇰 vzrušenie

🇨🇳 刺激

🇸🇮 spodbujanje

🇮🇸 örvun

🇰🇿 қозу

🇬🇪 აღელვება

🇦🇿 həyəcan

🇲🇽 estimulación

Etymology

The word 'titillation' originates from the Latin term 'titillare,' which means 'to tickle.' This Latin root reflects the essential nature of titillation as a light, sometimes teasing, form of arousal or excitement. The term began to enter English usage in the late 14th century, evolving from its literal association with tickling to encompass broader senses of stimulation and excitement over the centuries. Its initial meanings were predominantly tied to gentle physical sensations, but by the 18th century, 'titillation' also began to encompass intellectual and emotional stimulation, especially in contexts of entertainment and flirtation. In modern usage, it often carries a connotation of allure or provocation, particularly in media, literature, and social interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,274, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.