The Spanish verb 'citar' (meaning 'to cite' or 'to summon') comes from the Latin verb 'citare', which meant 'to summon' or 'to call'. Going back further, 'citare' developed from the Latin verb 'ciere', which meant 'to put in motion'. You can see how the meaning evolved from physically setting something in motion, to calling someone to move or come forward, to the modern meaning of summoning or citing someone or something.

Some related Spanish words include 'cita' (appointment, date, quotation), which is directly derived from 'citar'. When you make an appointment, you are essentially 'citing' or summoning someone to meet at a specific time and place.

The English words 'cite', 'citation', and 'excite' are related to 'citar'. 'Cite' and 'citation' come from the same Latin root 'citare' and maintain similar meanings to the Spanish word. 'Excite' comes from 'excitare', which combines 'ex-' (out) with 'citare', literally meaning 'to call out' or 'to set in motion', which evolved to mean stirring up emotions or enthusiasm.