stimulate

verb

stim·u·late | \ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt

stimulated; stimulating

Definition of stimulate

transitive verb

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

2a : 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

Other Words from stimulate Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about stimulate

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Other Words from stimulate

stimulation \ˌstim-yə-ˈlā-shən

\ noun

stimulative \ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiv

\ adjective

stimulator \ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tər

\ noun

stimulatory \ˈstim-yə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē

\ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

So protein also stimulates insulin, but not as much. — Sandy Bauers, Philly.com, "Good fats, bad fats, and why the ketogenic diet matters," 13 July 2018 The Fed's current projection for the neutral rate — the point where monetary policy is not stimulating growth or restraining it — is 2.9 percent. — Martin Crutsinger, courant.com, "Federal Reserve projects further gradual hikes in key rate," 13 July 2018 Yanking out the stalks stimulates the plant to produce more flower stalks. — Nan Sterman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "July in the garden," 5 July 2018 Music has been shown to stimulate young children’s brains, while dance helps sharpen motor skills. — Zafreen Jaffery, Ed.d., miamiherald, "Bake cookies. Head to the library. Ways to keep your child's brain sharp during the summer," 27 June 2018 In Anchorage, the Alaska Housing Energy Rebate Program (2008-2016) stimulated much of the updating and remodeling, with popular HGTV remodeling and home-flipping shows continuing the push. — Anchorage Daily News, "The age of your house isn’t just about the year it was built. Here’s why that’s important when you’re selling.," 22 June 2018 Investments from the two Chinese giants have stimulated growth and expansion, but have also forced changes in leadership and strategy. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, "Alibaba v. Tencent: Taking the Fight to Southeast Asia," 21 June 2018 Here’s how the calming power of touch works on a physiological level: Touch stimulates pressure receptors under the skin that carry signals to the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the rest of the body. — Cari Romm, The Cut, "The Lasting Damage of Depriving a Child of Human Touch," 20 June 2018 Perversely, protectionism can sometimes stimulate cross-border investment. — The Economist, "Canaries in the coal mine," 14 June 2018

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.