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

To anyone but Dyson, her home can overstimulate a clothing lover. —Grace Hollars, IndyStar, 18 Sep. 2025

Given a rate cut will increase the circulation of money through the economy and potentially overstimulate demand, the central bank may be more cautious about the inflationary impacts of a rate cut at its meeting this week. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025

Sun exposure overstimulates pigment cells, creating uneven tone, freckles, or stubborn dark spots (like melasma). —Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 Sep. 2025

People with it can get overstimulated easily and sometimes struggle to control their emotions. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

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