stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: an agent (such as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts

2

: stimulus

3

: an alcoholic beverage

—not used technically

stimulant adjective

Synonyms

• boost
• encouragement
• goad
• impetus
• impulse
• incentive
• incitation
• incitement
• instigation
• momentum
• motivation
• provocation
• spur
• stimulus
• yeast

Examples of stimulant in a Sentence

The movie was a stimulant to discussion.

the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area

Recent Examples on the Web

Caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant that wakes you up and promotes energy. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 30 Oct. 2024

However, there are specific stimulants that can aggravate or bring it on. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2024

Some potential causes for an inability to sleep can include: Caffeine or Nicotine Consumption Too Close to Bedtime Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, colas, chocolate, and certain teas. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024

On the other hand, cannabis is a substance that can be a stimulant or a depressant. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: something (as a drug) that temporarily increases the activity or efficiency of the body or one of its parts

a heart stimulant

2

: stimulus sense 1

stimulant adjective

Medical Definition

stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: an agent (as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts

2

: stimulus sense 2