stimulate

[stim-yuh-leyt] /ˈstɪm yəˌleɪt/
verb (used with object), stimulated, stimulating.
1.
to rouse to action or effort, as by encouragement or pressure; spur on; incite:
to stimulate his interest in mathematics.
2.
Physiology, Medicine/Medical. to excite (a nerve, gland, etc.) to its functional activity.
3.
to invigorate (a person) by a food or beverage containing a stimulant, as coffee, tea, or alcoholic liquor.
verb (used without object), stimulated, stimulating.
4.
to act as a stimulus or stimulant.
Origin
1540-50; < Latin stimulātus (past participle of stimulāre to goad). See stimulus, -ate1
Related forms
stimulable, adjective
stimulability
[stim-yuh-luh-bil-i-tee] /ˌstɪm yə ləˈbɪl ɪ ti/ (Show IPA), noun
stimulatingly, adverb
stimulation, noun
stimulator, stimulater, noun
antistimulation, noun
hyperstimulation, noun
interstimulate, verb (used with object), interstimulated, interstimulating.
interstimulation, noun
nonstimulable, adjective
nonstimulating, adjective
nonstimulation, noun
overstimulate, verb, overstimulated, overstimulating.
overstimulation, noun
poststimulation, adjective
prestimulate, verb (used with object), prestimulated, prestimulating.
prestimulation, noun
restimulate, verb (used with object), restimulated, restimulating.
restimulation, noun
self-stimulated, adjective
self-stimulating, adjective
self-stimulation, noun
semistimulating, adjective
superstimulate, verb (used with object), superstimulated, superstimulating.
superstimulation, noun
unstimulable, adjective
unstimulated, adjective
unstimulating, adjective
unstimulatingly, adverb
Can be confused
activate, actuate, stimulate.
Synonyms
1. arouse, activate, excite. See animate.
Examples from the web for stimulating
  • PhD-land isn't a world of delightful, stimulating conversations.
  • stimulating a plankton bloom is the equivalent of fertilizing a prairie.
  • It posits that a small fraction of cancerous cells are responsible for stimulating the growth of tumors.
  • Here were good-looking, well-trained dancers in stimulating.
  • The jaunts were intellectually stimulating reminders of why he loved his field.
  • Economists and other busybodies chide them for not spending more, thereby stimulating the economy.
  • It has never been so geographically stimulating to stare at a computer screen.
  • Now they were stimulating her heart electrically, to test for abnormal rhythms.
  • For those considering such a move, you'll find the potential for a highly rewarding and stimulating environment.
  • She suspected that dietary protein might be more effective in stimulating its release than dietary carbohydrate.
British Dictionary definitions for stimulating

stimulate

/ˈstɪmjʊˌleɪt/
verb
1.
(transitive; usually passive) to fill (a person) with ideas or enthusiasm: he was stimulated by the challenge
2.
(transitive) (physiol) to excite (a nerve, organ, etc) with a stimulus
3.
to encourage (something) to start or progress further: a cut in interest rates should help stimulate economic recovery
Derived Forms
stimulable, adjective
stimulation, noun
stimulative, adjective, noun
stimulator, stimulater, noun
Word Origin
C16: from Latin stimulāre; see stimulant

stimulating

/ˈstɪmjʊˌleɪtɪŋ/
adjective
1.
inspiring new ideas or enthusiasm
2.
(of a physical activity) making one feel refreshed and energetic
Derived Forms
stimulatingly, adverb
Word Origin and History for stimulating

stimulate

v.

1610s, from Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare (see stimulation). Related: Stimulated; stimulating.

stimulating in Medicine

stimulate stim·u·late (stĭm'yə-lāt')
v. stim·u·lat·ed, stim·u·lat·ing, stim·u·lates
To arouse a body or a responsive structure to increased functional activity.

stim'u·lat'er n.