[f. as prec. + -ING2.] That excites. Exciting cause: (chiefly Path.) that which immediately causes disease, etc.; opposed to predisposing cause.
1811. Hooper, Med. Dict., Exciting cause.
1826. Disraeli, Viv. Grey, III. V. xiii. 253. Story after story … followed each other with the most exciting haste.
1834. Cycl. Pract. Med., III. 57/1. The exciting causes of hepatitis may be enumerated as follows.
1849. Ruskin, Sev. Lamps, i. § 2. 8–9. Principles … exciting rather than directing.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., IV. 542. The public attention was occupied by other and far more exciting subjects.
a. 1871. Grote, Eth. Fragm., i. (1876), 13. Certain acts and forbearances considered as the exciting cause of disposition on the part of others.
Hence Excitingly adv., in an exciting manner.
1860. in Worcester; and in mod. Dicts.
