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

The puffer vest garment is insulated enough to keep your core warm, while allowing for unrestricted arm freedom and airflow — two things that are important for those who are easily overheated and overstimulated. —Kayla Blanton, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025

Sauces High-fat gravies made from pan drippings can overstimulate the gut and worsen symptoms, Moole said. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

One theory is that heavy, long-term cannabis use overstimulates the body's cannabinoid system, triggering the opposite of marijuana's usual anti-nausea effect. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025

If your child is neurodivergent or has sensory sensitivities, holiday festivities can be easily overstimulating. —Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 24 Nov. 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