stimulation
Americannoun
-
the act of exciting a nerve, gland, etc., to its functional activity.
The fungus is known to have diverse effects on the body, from stimulation of the nervous system to constriction of blood vessels.
-
something that arouses interest, inspiration, or incitement to action.
Children, with their developing brains, love stimulation and novelty.
-
a cause or incitement.
Improved rural-urban communication links often act as stimulation for the growth of local towns.
Other Word Forms
- antistimulation noun
- hyperstimulation noun
- interstimulation noun
- nonstimulation noun
- overstimulation noun
- poststimulation adjective
- prestimulation noun
- restimulation noun
- self-stimulation noun
- superstimulation noun
Etymology
Origin of stimulation
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin stimulātiō “incentive”; equivalent to stimulate ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )
Explanation
Stimulation spurs an organism to act. It can also be any specific event that causes someone to do something. Have you ever had a teacher who made you excited about a subject you didn't like before, causing you to study harder and learn more? That teacher must've provided stimulation: through the teacher, you were motivated to give more effort to the class. Like a stimulant, stimulation causes things to happen. A doctor hitting your knee is a type of stimulation that makes your leg jerk up. In zoos, animals are provided with food-based stimulation to make them exercise.
Vocabulary lists containing stimulation
Half a World Away
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Articles on Dangers of Technology
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"Video content is mental stimulation for senior dogs and for lazy dogs, because if they aren't being physical often they still need to exercise their mind," adds Lubeach.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
Electrical muscle stimulation, or EMS, is gaining popularity in the U.S. as a potential way to boost workouts.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
Previous research in neurotypical individuals has shown that auditory stimulation during sleep can enhance slow wave activity.
From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026
With its overly sensory stimulation and DIY retail spaces, Santee Alley reminded me of home.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026
Now it seemed that what she had thought was maturity, serenity and compassion was only the tranquillity that follows a joyful stimulation.
From "Sula" by Toni Morrison
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.
