overstimulate

verb

over·​stim·​u·​late ˌō-vər-ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce overstimulate (audio)
overstimulated; overstimulating

transitive verb

: to stimulate to an excessive or abnormal degree
The ongoing presence of HIV overstimulates B cells, which are abundant in the lymph nodes, and keeps them in a state of chronic activation.Robert R. Redfield et al.
… a monetary system … that keeps government from overstimulating demand through excessive money creation.George Melloan
see also overstimulated
overstimulation noun
plural overstimulations
In fact, too much stability and routine may bore such a horse—and boredom can be just as stressful as overstimulation. Robert W. Bell, PhD

Examples of overstimulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This overstimulates tender new growth that gets infected more easily. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2023 Highly sensitive people might feel overwhelmed or overstimulated by their surroundings and may need more time and space to process their emotions and thoughts. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2023 You’re stressed about an upcoming presentation, overstimulated after a long day, or distracted by the sirens screaming in the street below your apartment. Alexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 3 May 2023 Many people with autism may be easily overstimulated and struggle to adjust to new environments. Caroline Catherman, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for overstimulate 

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstimulate was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near overstimulate

Cite this Entry

“Overstimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstimulate. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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