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

At the same time, Taylor spends most of the afternoon giggling uncomfortably into her sleeve and quickly becomes overstimulated. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

On the other hand, silky bamboo viscose bedding finishes in chrome and copper bestow a sleek moment without overstimulating the senses. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026

Smith says SAHMs also commonly complain about two conflicting states—either they are overstimulated or feel a lack of connection from their partners. —Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026

For example, what feels energetic in a living room can feel overstimulating in a space that's meant for rest. —Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 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