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

Caffeine is a stimulant and has a diuretic effect, so your morning cup of coffee may mean your vitamin C doesn't absorb as well before being flushed out. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 19 Dec. 2024

Adderall is considered a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. —Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that has cold medicine like pseudoephedrine as a main ingredient. —Lex Harvey, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

Protein bars’ sugar content can rival that of candy bars, and some protein supplements may contain herbal ingredients, caffeine, or other stimulants, Clark said. —Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 30 Oct. 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