Advertisement

View synonyms for

stimulate

[stim-yuh-leyt]

verb (used with object)

stimulated, stimulating 
  1. to rouse to action or effort, as by encouragement or pressure; spur on; incite.

    A childhood summer learning program was the first thing to stimulate his interest in mathematics.

    Synonyms: , ,
  2. Physiology, Medicine/Medical.to excite (a nerve, gland, etc.) to its functional activity.

  3. to invigorate (a person) by a food or beverage containing a stimulant such as coffee or tea.



verb (used without object)

stimulated, stimulating 
  1. to act as a stimulus or stimulant.

stimulate

/ ˈɪʊˌɪ /

verb

  1. (tr; usually passive) to fill (a person) with ideas or enthusiasm

    he was stimulated by the challenge

  2. (tr) physiol to excite (a nerve, organ, etc) with a stimulus

  3. to encourage (something) to start or progress further

    a cut in interest rates should help stimulate economic recovery

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • stimulable adjective
  • stimulability noun
  • stimulation noun
  • stimulator noun
  • stimulater noun
  • interstimulate verb (used with object)
  • nonstimulable adjective
  • overstimulate verb
  • prestimulate verb (used with object)
  • restimulate verb (used with object)
  • self-stimulated adjective
  • superstimulate verb (used with object)
  • unstimulable adjective
  • unstimulated adjective
  • ˌپˈپDz noun
  • ˈپܱ adjective
  • ˈپˌٴǰ noun
  • ˈپܱپ adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulate1

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin پܱ(ܲ) “goaded” (past participle of پܱ “to goad, incite,” from stimulus stimulus ( def. ) ); -ate 1
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulate1

C16: from Latin پܱ; see stimulant
Discover More

Synonym Study

See animate.
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“Nothing can really stimulate the amount of dopamine you get from actually hitting the ball the right way,” he says.

From

O’Hara’s audacious antics are stimulating at first, but there’s not enough dramatic interest to sustain such a grueling journey.

From

In one jarring moment of corporate detachment, the company’s website lists one benefit as “exposure to world-class projects,” which give individuals the opportunity to “keep your mind stimulated.”

From

It's certainly worth paying a nominal amount to stimulate the economy and boost one's own stock portfolio.

From

So Ramaphosa was looking for a trade deal, desperately needing the business and stability this would bring to South Africa to stimulate real and lasting economic growth and put people back to work.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


stimulantstimulated emission