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

Although neutered, Mosser said Tully found the environment overstimulating. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025

He was being put through training recently to test his ability to stay calm under pressure as Douglas tried to overstimulate his senses. —Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025

Erickson had gotten overstimulated and overwhelmed during and after the challenge, and what Hunter had done was needed for her to get grounded and out of her episode. —Steve Helling, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025

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