overstimulation

[oh-ver-stim-yuh-ley-shuhn]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overstimulation¹

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

Example Sentences

At the rave, look for signs of overstimulation, which can present differently with each child — some might shut down while others might start shoving each other mosh pit-style.

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

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Some research suggests that people who chronically use THC have less active endocannabinoid systems, suggesting that overstimulation could reduce the body’s ability to naturally produce or bind endocannabinoids.

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

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Since then, authorities have been working to determine how Perry got the drug, which caused cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.

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