See more synonyms for stimulate on Thesaurus.comverb (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.
Origin of stimulate
First recorded in
1540–50, stimulate is from the
Latin word
stimulātus (past participle of
stimulāre to goad). See
stimulus,
-ate1Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for stimulating
inspiring,
thrilling,
provocative,
invigorating,
interesting,
appealing,
lively,
hectic,
exhilarating,
challenging,
gripping,
rousing,
bracing,
moving,
stirring,
arousing,
titillating,
electrifying,
breathtaking,
hair-raising
Examples from the Web for stimulating
Contemporary Examples of stimulating
While not the most stimulating for those less passionate about cattle, Grandin made it interesting.
By stimulating regions of the brain, the preservation of muscle activity and sensation can be confirmed.
I decided not to let a wonderful, stimulating quarter-century at Vogue be diminished.
Believe me, it makes for a great and stimulating vacation read.
But second and more important, this is about stimulating the economy.
Historical Examples of stimulating
The agricultural shows have much effect in stimulating progress.
It is necessary for other factors to act in stimulating human work.
Their popular use is entirely due to their stimulating properties.
Frequent bathing the feet in warm water, a stimulating plaster applied to the left side, and gentle exercise, are the most proper.
Now the stimulating class are the things which suggest contrast and relation.
British Dictionary definitions for stimulating- inspiring new ideas or enthusiasm
- (of a physical activity) making one feel refreshed and energetic
- (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
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
Word Origin and History for stimulatingv.1610s, from Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare (see stimulation). Related: Stimulated; stimulating.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
- 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.
