stimulate

verb

stim·​u·​late ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt 

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

ˌstim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

stimulative

ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiv 

adjective

stimulator

ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tər 

noun

stimulatory

ˈstim-yə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Synonyms of stimulate

• arouse
• provoke
• stir
• energize
• invigorate
• enliven
• excite
• activate
• awaken
• inspire
• vitalize
• animate
• electrify
• quicken
• motivate
• revive
• strengthen
• jump-start
• vivify
• drive

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

Some see promise in manipulating the gut microbiome; others are exploring the potential of stimulating the vagus nerve, eliciting a psychedelic experience or repurposing drugs that might quiet inflammation in the brain. — Lynne Peeples, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Mounjaro and Zepbound, also made by Eli Lilly, mimic the effects of GLP-1 as well as GIP, a type of hormone that helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Even watching a magic trick can challenge our assumptions about the world and stimulate more original thinking. — Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

The formula includes peptides and rosemary to stimulate new growth, while strengthening your length. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing stimulate

• hyper-stimulate

Rhymes for stimulate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

stimulate

verb

stim·​u·​late ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt 

stimulated; stimulating

1

: to make active or more active : animate, arouse

stimulate industry

2

: to act on as a bodily stimulus or stimulant

Medical Definition

stimulate

transitive verb

stim·​u·​late -ˌlāt 

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

ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt-iv 

adjective

stimulatory

-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

adjective