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

As some people have already noticed, the drugs appear to cut the risk for some substance use disorders, including addictions to opioids, alcohol, stimulants and sedatives. —Brenda Goodman, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025

The Ecstasy drug, a hallucinogenic stimulant, shapes the distortion of time and perception that ruins these three lives. —Armond White, National Review, 15 Jan. 2025

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in over 60 plants. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 14 Jan. 2025

For those with an amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder (ATSUD), their drug misuse negatively impacts health and everyday functioning. —New Atlas, 27 Dec. 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