verb (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.
verb
- (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
v.1610s, from Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare (see stimulation). Related: Stimulated; stimulating. v.
- To arouse a body or a responsive structure to increased functional activity.