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

For professionals who feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, this agency can be empowering. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

Read on to learn what our experts say, including the best sensory-friendly design tips and techniques to create walls that won't overstimulate you. —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2025

And overstimulating leaves too many dollars chasing after too few goods. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

For some of them, doggy day cares were overstimulating or a poor fit. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 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