stimulate

play

verb stim·u·late \ -ˌlāt \

Definition of stimulate

stimulated; stimulating

transitive verb

1 :to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity :animate, arouse

2 a :to function as a physiological stimulus to

b :to arouse or affect by a stimulant (such as a drug)

intransitive verb

:to act as a stimulant or stimulus

—

stimulation

play \ˌstim-yə-ˈlā-shən\ noun

—

stimulative

play \ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective

—

stimulator

play \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

—

stimulatory

play \-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

See stimulate defined for English-language learners

See stimulate defined for kids

Examples of stimulate in a Sentence

A raise in employee wages might stimulate production.
The economy was not stimulated by the tax cuts.
a hormone that stimulates the growth of muscle tissue
Their discussion stimulated him to research the subject more.
He was stimulated by their discussion.

Recent Examples of stimulate from the Web

The possibility of more credible proof surfacing stimulated Chicago.

— david haugh, chicagotribune.com, "Brian Urlacher hopeful about Mitch Trubisky, Bears and his Hall of Fame chances," 20 Aug. 2017
And it was surrounded by stimulating, photogenic neighbors.

— holland cotter, New York Times, "Editta Sherman’s Long Reign as ‘The Duchess of Carnegie Hall’," 17 Aug. 2017
Perhaps this method of racing is a little less visually stimulating, but well worth it to ensure that the world doesn’t lose one of its most gifted swimmers.

— laura bradley, vanityfair.com, "How Michael Phelps Prepared to Race a Great White Shark," 21 July 2017
Perhaps this method of racing is a little less visually stimulating, but well worth it to ensure that the world doesn’t lose one of its most gifted swimmers.

— laura bradley, HWD, "How Michael Phelps Prepared to Race a Great White Shark," 21 July 2017
Students were promised rigorous classes, stimulating friendships, field trips to area colleges and idyllic swimming ponds: a glorious New England summer.

— Longreads, "Youth From Every Quarter," 17 July 2017
Okallau hopes to stimulate more interest in trees by citing some of the scientific research on their many benefits.

— ginger brashinger, Daily Southtown, "Midlothian, Morton Arboretum teaming up for tree program," 12 July 2017
Research on the issue isn’t conclusive, but there are hints that getting more exercise and stimulating your mind with games, computer use and other activities can help keep the brain nimble.

— Washington Post, "Trying to keep brain sharp doesn’t have to be costly," 12 July 2017
A. Sea-Bands are designed to stimulate acupressure points.

— teresa graedon, The Seattle Times, "Instead of counting sheep, try Sea-Bands for sleeplessness," 9 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stimulate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of stimulate

Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare, from stimulus goad; perhaps akin to Latin stilus stem, stylus — more at style

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1566

See Words from the same year

stimulate Synonyms

Synonyms

amp (up), brace, energize, enliven, fillip, fire, ginger (up), invigorate, jazz (up), juice up, jump-start, liven (up), pep (up), quicken, spike, animate, vitalize, vivify, zip (up)

Antonyms

damp, dampen, deaden, dull, kill

Related Words

arouse, awake, awaken, raise, rouse, stir, wake (up); activate, actuate, drive, impel, motivate, motive, move, propel; charge, electrify, galvanize; enkindle, excite, ferment, foment, incite, inflame (also enflame), instigate, kindle, provoke, set off, spark, trigger, turn on, whip (up); abet, boost, buoy, cheer, embolden, fortify, hearten, infuse, inspire, lift, rally, steel, strengthen; reactivate, reanimate, reawake, reawaken, recharge, recreate, reenergize, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, reinvigorate, rejuvenate, rekindle, renew, restimulate, resurrect, resuscitate, revitalize, revive

Near Antonyms

burn out, debilitate, do in, drain, enervate, enfeeble, exhaust, fag, fatigue, harass, kayo, knock out, sap, tucker (out), undermine, wash out, weaken, wear, wear out, weary; check, curb, inhibit, jade, quell, quench, repress, restrain, slow, still, stunt, suppress; daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

Synonym Discussion of stimulate

provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking. provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

- my stories usually provoke laughter

excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

- news that excited anger and frustration

stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

- stimulating conversation

pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

- that remark piqued my interest

quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

- the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

STIMULATE Defined for English Language Learners

stimulate

play

verb

Definition of stimulate for English Language Learners

: to make (something) more active : to cause or encourage (something) to happen or develop
: to make (a person) excited or interested in something

STIMULATE Defined for Kids

stimulate

play

verb stim·u·late \ ˈsti-myə-ˌlāt \

Definition of stimulate for Students

stimulated; stimulating

1 :to make active or more active :arouse

The advertisements stimulated interest in the new product.

2 :to act on as a bodily stimulus or stimulant

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system.

Medical Dictionary

stimulate

play

transitive verb stim·u·late \ -ˌlāt \

medical Definition of stimulate

stimulated; stimulating

1 :to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity

2 a :to function as a physiological stimulus to (as a nerve or muscle)

b :to arouse or affect by a stimulant (as a drug)

—

stimulative

play \ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt-iv\ adjective

—

stimulatory

play \-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adjective

Learn More about stimulate

See words that rhyme with stimulate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stimulate Spanish Central: Translation of stimulate Nglish: Translation of stimulate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of stimulate for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up stimulate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

stimulate

Definition of stimulate

stimulation

stimulative

stimulator

stimulatory

Read the Latest from M-W

Examples of stimulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples of stimulate from the Web

Origin and Etymology of stimulate

stimulate Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Synonym Discussion of stimulate

STIMULATE Defined for English Language Learners

stimulate

Definition of stimulate for English Language Learners

STIMULATE Defined for Kids

stimulate

Definition of stimulate for Students

Medical Dictionary

stimulate

medical Definition of stimulate

stimulative

stimulatory

Learn More about stimulate

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

Words of the Year: 1066