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

This overstimulates tender new growth that gets infected more easily. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2023

Highly sensitive people might feel overwhelmed or overstimulated by their surroundings and may need more time and space to process their emotions and thoughts. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2023

You’re stressed about an upcoming presentation, overstimulated after a long day, or distracted by the sirens screaming in the street below your apartment. —Alexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 3 May 2023

Many people with autism may be easily overstimulated and struggle to adjust to new environments. —Caroline Catherman, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2023

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