Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - invite

 I. transitive verb  (~d; inviting)  Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French ~r, from Latin invitare  Date: 1533  1.  a. to offer an incentive or inducement to ; entice  b. to increase the likelihood of ~ trouble  2.  a. to request the presence or participation of ~d us to dinner  b. to request formally  c. to urge politely ; welcome ~ comments  • ~r noun  II. noun  Date: 1659 invitation 1