Titillate

Verb

Definition: To excite or arouse in a playful or erotic way; to tease or tantalize.

Synonyms: Arouse, Excite, Tantalize, Stimulate

Antonyms: Bore, Repulse

Examples:

The provocative dance routine titillated the audience.
He gently brushed his fingers along her skin, hoping to titillate her senses.

Mnemonics:

Think of "tickle" to associate with the idea of playfully teasing or arousing.
Remember the "tit" in "titillate" as a playful reference to breasts, which can be an object of sexual teasing.

Etymology:

Origin:

"Titillate" comes from the Latin word "titillare", meaning "to tickle".

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the early 17th century, primarily with the meaning of exciting with pleasure or stimulating sexually.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Titillate someone's fancy"

Explanation:

Refers to arousing someone's interest or desire.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "titillate" with "titivate".

Explanation:

"Titivate" means to smarten up or tidy, while "titillate" implies arousal or excitement. These words are often incorrectly interchanged due to their similar sounds, but they have distinct meanings.