verb
cite
To issue an official legal summons or notice.
The officer cites the driver for ignoring the traffic signal at the intersection.
Etymology
Latin citare meant to summon or call forward. The legal use retains that calling function, formally requiring someone’s appearance or issuing an official notice concerning an alleged violation.
More examples
- The court cited the witness to appear.
- Several businesses were cited for safety violations.
- The notice formally cites him to attend the hearing.
Forms
cite · cites · cited · citing
Similar words
- summon
- Summon specifically orders an appearance; cite can also issue notice of a violation.