stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: an agent (such as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts

2

: stimulus

3

: an alcoholic beverage

—not used technically

stimulant adjective

Synonyms

• boost
• encouragement
• goad
• impetus
• impulse
• incentive
• incitation
• incitement
• instigation
• momentum
• motivation
• provocation
• spur
• stimulus
• yeast

Examples of stimulant in a Sentence

The movie was a stimulant to discussion.

the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area

Recent Examples on the Web

Substances like alcohol, stimulants, and even coffee can exacerbate mental health challenges like mania. —Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Nicotine is a stimulant that can reduce hunger and boost metabolism.1 However, while these short-term effects on appetite are similar to smoking, the long-term impact of vaping on weight isn't known. —Soma Mandal, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Using whippets with alcohol may cause more feelings of confusion, fatigue, and lack of coordination, and taking whippets with stimulants might put additional strain on the heart and changes in heat beats or blood pressure, Forcier says. —Katixa Espinoza, Them, 10 Oct. 2024

Many traders, including Ellison, rely on stimulants such as Adderall, which suppresses appetite and tiredness. —Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: something (as a drug) that temporarily increases the activity or efficiency of the body or one of its parts

a heart stimulant

2

: stimulus sense 1

stimulant adjective

Medical Definition

stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: an agent (as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts

2

: stimulus sense 2