In‐vite″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Invited; p. pr. & vb. n.Inviting.] [L. invitare: cf. F. inviter. See Vie.]
1. To ask; to request; to bid; to summon; to ask to do some act, or go to some place; esp., to ask to an entertainment or visit; to request the company of; as, to invite to dinner, or a wedding, or an excursion.
So many guests invite as here are writ. Shak.
I invite his Grace of Castle Rackrent to reflect on this. Carlyle.
2. To allure; to draw to; to tempt to come; to induce by pleasure or hope; to attract.
To inveigle and invite the unwary sense. Milton.
Shady groves, that easy sleep invite. Dryden.
There no delusive hope invites despair. Cowper.
3. To give occasion for; as, to invite criticism.
Syn. — To solicit; bid; call; ask; summon; allure; attract; entice; persuade.