overstimulate

verb

over·​stim·​u·​late ˌō-vər-ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt 

overstimulated; overstimulating

transitive verb

: to stimulate to an excessive or abnormal degree

The ongoing presence of HIV overstimulates B cells, which are abundant in the lymph nodes, and keeps them in a state of chronic activation.

—Robert R. Redfield et al.

… a monetary system … that keeps government from overstimulating demand through excessive money creation.

—George Melloan

see also overstimulated

overstimulation

ˌō-vər-ˌstim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

plural overstimulations

In fact, too much stability and routine may bore such a horse—and boredom can be just as stressful as overstimulation.

—Robert W. Bell, PhD

Examples of overstimulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Key Takeaways Most vitamins do not directly cause jitteriness, but certain supplements can make people feel shaky, restless, or overstimulated. — Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 29 June 2026

If your child is tired or overstimulated, an early exit beats pushing through a rough ending. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026

Pick these up to woo the guests of your next dinner party, or just to woo yourself when the overhead light becomes too overstimulating. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2026

Rather than overstimulating immunity, which could actually worsen allergies, reishi appears to promote regulatory T cells and tamp down excessive immune responses, which can help prevent the overproduction of histamines that drive allergy symptoms. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overstimulate

• borosilicate
• decontaminate
• deoxycholate
• deteriorate
• differentiate
• diisocyanate
• dinoflagellate
• excommunicate
• incapacitate
• insubordinate
• intercorporate
• interpenetrate