stimulation

American  

[stim-yuh-ley-shuhn] / ˌstɪm yəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. 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.

2. something that arouses interest, inspiration, or incitement to action.

   Children, with their developing brains, love stimulation and novelty.

3. a cause or incitement.

   Improved rural-urban communication links often act as stimulation for the growth of local towns.

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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. )

Example Sentences

The more children seek social stimulation online, the less actual interaction they have with friends in person.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

There was also the deep fatigue that comes from constant stimulation and processing of new information, and the lack of time for anything other than exploring and working.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

With its overly sensory stimulation and DIY retail spaces, Santee Alley reminded me of home.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Yearning for a kind of abstract stimulation that even she can’t put into words, Camille is transfixed by her beloved chair.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

Yet, much as they professed to enjoy the stimulation and convenience of an urban neighborhood, they took relatively little advantage of it.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz

Related Words

• incentive
• stimulant