definitions

stimulate

[ stim-yuh-leyt ]
/ ˈstɪm yəˌleɪt /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR stimulate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), stim·u·lat·ed, stim·u·lat·ing.

to rouse to action or effort, as by encouragement or pressure; spur on; incite: to stimulate his interest in mathematics.
Physiology, Medicine/Medical. to excite (a nerve, gland, etc.) to its functional activity.
to invigorate (a person) by a food or beverage containing a stimulant, as coffee, tea, or alcoholic liquor.

verb (used without object), stim·u·lat·ed, stim·u·lat·ing.

to act as a stimulus or stimulant.

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RELATED WORDS

inspiring, thrilling, provocative, invigorating, interesting, appealing, lively, hectic, exhilarating, challenging, gripping, rousing, bracing, moving, stirring, arousing, titillating, electrifying, breathtaking, hair-raising

Nearby words

stim, stime, stimson, stimson, henry lewis, stimulant, stimulate, stimulated emission, stimulating, stimulation, stimulative, stimulator

Origin of stimulate

First recorded in 1540–50, stimulate is from the Latin word stimulātus (past participle of stimulāre to goad). See stimulus, -ate1
Related forms
Can be confusedactivate actuate stimulate

Synonym study

1. See animate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for stimulating

British Dictionary definitions for stimulating (1 of 2)

stimulating

/ (ˈstɪmjʊˌleɪtɪŋ) /

adjective

inspiring new ideas or enthusiasm
(of a physical activity) making one feel refreshed and energetic
Derived Formsstimulatingly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for stimulating (2 of 2)

stimulate

/ (ˈstɪmjʊˌleɪt) /

verb

(tr; usually passive) to fill (a person) with ideas or enthusiasmhe was stimulated by the challenge
(tr) physiol to excite (a nerve, organ, etc) with a stimulus
to encourage (something) to start or progress furthera cut in interest rates should help stimulate economic recovery
Derived Formsstimulable, adjectivestimulation, nounstimulative, adjective, nounstimulator or stimulater, noun

Word Origin for stimulate

C16: from Latin stimulāre; see stimulant
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 stimulating

stimulate

[ stĭm′yə-lāt′ ]

v.

To arouse a body or a responsive structure to increased functional activity.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.