stimulate

verb

stim·​u·​late ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt 

stimulated; stimulating

transitive verb

1

: to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity : animate, arouse

2

a

: to function as a physiological stimulus to

b

: to arouse or affect by a stimulant (such as a drug)

intransitive verb

: to act as a stimulant or stimulus

stimulation

ˌstim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

stimulative

ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiv 

adjective

stimulator

ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tər 

noun

stimulatory

ˈstim-yə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• amp (up)
• animate
• brace
• energize
• enliven
• fillip
• fire
• ginger (up)
• invigorate
• jazz (up)
• juice up
• jump-start
• liven (up)
• pep (up)
• quicken
• spike
• vitalize
• vivify
• zip (up)

Choose the Right Synonym for stimulate

provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking.

provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

Examples of stimulate in a Sentence

A raise in employee wages might stimulate production.

The economy was not stimulated by the tax cuts.

a hormone that stimulates the growth of muscle tissue

Their discussion stimulated him to research the subject more.

He was stimulated by their discussion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Find it on Amazon This Wand Uses the Power of Red Light Therapy Red light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that can help to stimulate collagen production, maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024

In theory, the policy eases access to funds, stimulates economic activity and boosts demand. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024

The fermentation process in kombucha creates tyramine—a compound that stimulates your nervous system—and trace amounts of caffeine. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Certain cases even call for an ultrasound or an epinephrine shot to stimulate their heartbeat, according to the Cape Cod Times. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare, from stimulus goad; perhaps akin to Latin stilus stem, stylus — more at style

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing stimulate

• hyper-stimulate

Kids Definition

stimulate

verb

stim·​u·​late ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt 

stimulated; stimulating

1

: to make active or more active : animate, arouse

stimulate industry

2

: to act on as a bodily stimulus or stimulant

Medical Definition

stimulate

transitive verb

stim·​u·​late -ˌlāt 

stimulated; stimulating

1

: to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity

2

a

: to function as a physiological stimulus to (as a nerve or muscle)

b

: to arouse or affect by a stimulant (as a drug)

stimulative

ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt-iv 

adjective

stimulatory

-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

adjective