overstimulation
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
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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.
Etymology
Origin of overstimulation
First recorded in 1795–1805; over- ( def. ) + stimulation ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
“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 • Feb. 10, 2025
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 • Mar. 3, 2024
In addition to having no food value, such ingredients produce overstimulation and irritation in the alimentary tract, toughen the cellulose in the foods used, and consequently often cause indigestion and various gastric disturbances.
From Woman's Institute Library of Cookery Volume 5: Fruit and Fruit Desserts; Canning and Drying; Jelly Making, Preserving and Pickling; Confections; Beverages; the Planning of Meals by Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
