overstimulation

American  

[oh-ver-stim-yuh-ley-shuhn] / ˌoʊ vərˌstɪm yəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of excessively stimulating something, particularly when the result is undesirable.

   Overstimulation of the economy gave us record job openings, an indication of the demand that can’t be met by the available workforce.

2. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. sensory overload.

   A big, extravagant party may seem like a kid-pleaser, but for many children it’s overstimulation, which can evoke anxiety, withdrawal, anger, etc.

3. Biology, Physiology. especially of a gland or nerve, the act of being or becoming overactive and producing an abnormal increase in whatever substance or effect would otherwise be a normal function.

   Too much thyroid hormone in the body occurs from overstimulation of the thyroid gland, but that can be regulated with medication.

   The blood vessels in the lower extremities have dilated, suggesting overstimulation of the vagus nerve.

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Etymology

Origin of overstimulation

First recorded in 1795–1805; over- ( def. ) + stimulation ( def. )

Example Sentences

This molecule activates key signaling pathways in a novel manner that benefits muscle function while avoiding the heart overstimulation typically associated with β2 agonists.

From Science Daily

Cafes and teahouses in Beijing and Chengdu now double as pseudo-temples, selling fortune charms, herbal infusions, and “Stay-Up-Late Water” tonics meant to balance urban overstimulation.

From Barron's

Overstimulation has sent her to bed, exhausted, for a week.

From BBC

“The filtering capacities of the lateral line system of the tail could improve the signal-to-noise ratio, avoiding overstimulation of the canal neuromasts.”

From Salon

Such prisoners often struggle with overstimulation, inflexibility and trouble with complex directions, resulting in strong reactions that can lead to further discipline.

From Seattle Times