Stimulate
To rouse or spur into action; to increase activity, interest, or development.
verbStimulate
To rouse or spur into action; to increase activity, interest, or development.
verbImagine This
Imagine a sleepy classroom. The teacher asks a provocative question, and suddenly a flood of raised hands and excited discussion fills the room—the question has stimulated the students into active engagement.
Sounds Like
STIM-yuh-layt
Looks Like
stimulus, stimulation
Remember This
The word comes from Latin stimulare, meaning to goad or spur on; related nouns include stimulus and stimulation.
Other Forms
Connect With
arouse, excite, energize, spur, provoke, galvanize
Note
Use stimulate to describe provoking activity or interest in people or systems. Do not confuse with 'stimulate' in medical contexts that refer to provoking physiological responses; context usually makes the intended sense clear.
Study Deeper
- Caffeine helps stimulate alertness during long study sessions.
- The government hopes the tax cuts will stimulate economic growth.
From Latin stimulare 'to goad, urge on,' from stimul- 'goad' related to stimulus.
STIMULATE = Spark Thoughts, Inspire Minds, Unleash Learning, Activate Teaching Energy.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.