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

Whether deep in the trenches of creative work, navigating high-stakes decisions or simply savoring your morning ritual, caffeine — used wisely — is more than a stimulant. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Drinking Too Much Caffeine and at the Wrong Times Caffeine is a natural stimulant designed to increase alertness and focus and temporarily boost energy. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025

Some stimulants may increase the risk of developing heart problems or psychiatric problems like anxiety or depression. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Mar. 2025

It is sometimes seen as a path to the recreational use of stimulants. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025

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