stimulate

verb

stim·​u·​late ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
stimulated; stimulating

transitive verb

1
: to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity : animate, arouse
2
a
: to function as a physiological stimulus to
b
: to arouse or affect by a stimulant (such as a drug)

intransitive verb

: to act as a stimulant or stimulus
stimulation noun
stimulative adjective
stimulator noun
stimulatory adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for stimulate

provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking.

provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

Examples of stimulate in a Sentence

A raise in employee wages might stimulate production. The economy was not stimulated by the tax cuts. a hormone that stimulates the growth of muscle tissue Their discussion stimulated him to research the subject more. He was stimulated by their discussion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These viral particles continue to multiply or stimulate the immune system in ways that trigger long Covid symptoms. Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025 On the positive side, home prices often stagnate or decline as demand slows, and the Federal Reserve may lower interest rates to stimulate the economy, making borrowing cheaper. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 Working on crossword puzzles can stimulate vocabulary, memory, problem-solving, and general knowledge. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025 Transferring everyday items from their bulky, visually stimulating packaging into pretty containers is one way to organize your home while maintaining your design style. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stimulate

Word History

Etymology

Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare, from stimulus goad; perhaps akin to Latin stilus stem, stylus — more at style

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stimulate was in 1566

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

stimulate

verb
stim·​u·​late ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
stimulated; stimulating
1
: to make active or more active : animate, arouse
stimulate industry
2
: to act on as a bodily stimulus or stimulant

Medical Definition

stimulate

transitive verb
stim·​u·​late -ˌlāt How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
stimulated; stimulating
1
: to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity
2
a
: to function as a physiological stimulus to (as a nerve or muscle)
b
: to arouse or affect by a stimulant (as a drug)
stimulative adjective
stimulatory adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on stimulate

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