stimulates; stimulated; stimulating
1
: to make (something) more active
Caffeine stimulates the heart.
: to cause or encourage (something) to happen or develop
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
2
: to make (a person) excited or interested in something
Their discussion stimulated him to research the subject more.
He was stimulated by their discussion.
Cite this Entry
“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/stimulate. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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