definitions

innervate

[ ih-nur-veyt, in-er-veyt ]
/ ɪˈnɜr veɪt, ˈɪn ərˌveɪt /
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verb (used with object), in·ner·vat·ed, in·ner·vat·ing.

to communicate nervous energy to; stimulate through nerves.
to furnish with nerves; grow nerves into.

RELATED WORDS

prompt, inspire, propel, sway, excite, drive, trigger, galvanize, spark, provoke, spur, persuade, incline, stir, incite, motivate, induce, generate, inflame, elicit

Nearby words

innerly, innermost, innermost intercostal muscle, innersole, innerspring, innervate, innervation, innerve, innerwear, inness, inness, george

Origin of innervate

First recorded in 1865–70; in-2 + nerve + -ate1
Can be confusedenergize enervate innervate invigorate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for innervate

British Dictionary definitions for innervate

innervate

/ (ˈɪnɜːˌveɪt) /

verb (tr)

to supply nerves to (a bodily organ or part)
to stimulate (a bodily organ or part) with nerve impulses
Derived Formsinnervation, noun
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

Medicine definitions for innervate

innervate

[ ĭ-nûr′vāt′, ĭn′ər- ]

v.

To supply an organ or a body part with nerves.
To stimulate a nerve, muscle, or body part to action.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.