Stimulate
'stɪmjʊleɪt
Definitions
2 meaningsTo encourage or cause something to happen or develop; to excite or arouse (someone or something) to activity or growth.
'stɪmjʊleɪt
To encourage interest or activity.
The government implemented tax cuts to stimulate the economy.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to get a friend excited about going to a concert. You start talking about how awesome the band is and how much fun it will be. That's like stimulating their interest!
👶 For kids: To make something start or happen. Like when you poke a toy, you stimulate it to move.
More Examples
The teacher used a game to stimulate the students' interest in history.
Bright colors can stimulate the appetite.
How It's Used
"The new marketing campaign is designed to stimulate sales."
"Electrical impulses can be used to stimulate the brain."
"Cognitive exercises can stimulate mental acuity."
To cause a physical reaction in someone or something, typically through direct application or influence.
'stɪmjʊleɪt
To cause a physical reaction.
The cold water stimulated his circulation.
💡 Simply: If you eat something spicy, it can *stimulate* your taste buds and make you feel a warm sensation. It gets your body reacting.
👶 For kids: To make something in your body do something. Like when you exercise, you stimulate your muscles.
More Examples
The medication is meant to stimulate the production of red blood cells.
The sound of the alarm clock stimulated her to wake up.
How It's Used
"The drug was designed to stimulate the nervous system."
"Deep brain stimulation can help with movement disorders."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
stimulate the senses
To excite or arouse the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).
"The vibrant colors and exotic aromas of the market stimulated the senses."
From Latin *stimulare* ('to goad, prick'), from *stimulus* ('a goad, incentive').
Used since the 16th century, originally in a medical context to describe promoting bodily functions.
Memory tip
Think of a *stimulus* that *stimulates* a response.
Word Origin
"a goad, incentive"