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

But reviving our sleepy summer brains with a stimulating book-club discussion? — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: For San Diego book lovers, your book club match awaits," 30 Aug. 2019 The lab, led by Professor John Hart Jr., is testing a brain-stimulating device that could help people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. — Jordan Wilkerson, Dallas News, "UTD lab's marketing challenge: Recruit veterans for PTSD study," 15 Aug. 2019 In addition to laying out the historical contexts in which the Old and the New Testaments were created, this stimulating study considers how they have been read, taught, and lived by believers. — Sam Knight, The New Yorker, "Briefly Noted," 12 Aug. 2019 The active, structured, and stimulating environment simulates the workplace setting and enhances student ability to adapt to an ever-changing job market. — Al.com Staff, al, "Cooking to cryptography: Hoover schools open new center," 5 Aug. 2019 Yellow filters on my lenses and dive mask block the stimulating blue light, enabling me to see and capture the full extent of the psychedelic spectacle. — Smithsonian, "Amazing Photos Reveal the Hidden Light of Undersea Life," 25 July 2019 Egg water is rich with growth-stimulating minerals. — Heloise, Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: It came from beneath the feet," 12 July 2019 But according to the neuroscientist Lisa Genova, people who regularly engage in mentally stimulating activities build up more neural connections and are subsequently more resilient to symptoms of Alzheimer’s. — Kasley Killam, Scientific American, "A Solution for Loneliness," 21 May 2019 Before dozing off, dim the light and avoid entertainment that’s too stimulating, as well as the blue light that emits from smart devices. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "How to Take a Long-Haul Flight—And Land Looking Totally Refreshed," 5 Aug. 2019

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.