overstimulation

American  

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

See Examples For:

overstimulation

I just think that, in this world, there’s so much pressure, so much overstimulation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 20, 2026

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 ● Dec. 7, 2025

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 ● Nov. 1, 2025

And we really do talk about overstimulation in the film, which I think is a big piece of it.

From Salon ● May 5, 2023

They are too exciting, and cause an overstimulation of the nervous system and a precocious childhood and puberty.

From The Four Epochs of Woman's Life; a study in hygiene by Galbraith, Anna M. (Anna Mary)