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

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

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

What is collagen and how does salmon stimulate production of it? —Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2024

The Citizens Trust Bank Down Payment Assistance grant will play a crucial role in making homeownership achievable for a wider range of people, stimulating the housing market and community development, all while promoting economic and social well-being. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024

This stimulated ideas and became consistent topics of conversation during meetings. —Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2024

Using our hands stimulates these neurons, triggering an immediate response in the brain—bathing it in oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, the hormones associated with pleasure. —Ayelet Waldman, The New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2024

For example, chocolate, other caffeine-containing foods, and spicy or acidic foods could stimulate the bladder and worsen leaks. —Madeleine Burry, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

The Factors Preventing Growth Among the factors that stimulate growth, several negatively impact the industry. —Dasha Shunina, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

For example, a community play area with only traditional structures like monkey bars and swing sets may not stimulate all kids. —Brianna Kamienski, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024

On the other hand, positive reinforcement stimulates the 'seeking' behavior in individuals, encouraging exploration, rewarding risk taking, and promoting learning the adoption of new strategies. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

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

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