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

Use of nicotine or other stimulants can increase impulsiveness and decrease attention [and] focus. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 6 Sep. 2024

The Biden administration is raising production caps on the sought after ADHD drug Vyvanse and its generic equivalents, in response to a Food and Drug Administration request to address shortages of the prescription stimulant. —Tina Reed, Axios, 5 Sep. 2024

Scientists are still learning about its complex effects, which can range from stimulant to sedative and stem from chemical compounds called alkaloids. —Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024

That’s why stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, which increase norepinephrine more powerfully than everyday anxiety, have powerful energizing effects. —Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 29 July 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