Stimulus
'stɪmjʊləs
Definitions
An agent, action, or condition that elicits or accelerates a physiological or psychological activity or response.
'stɪmjʊləs
Something that causes a reaction or response.
The bright lights provided a stimulus to the plant's growth.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend gives you a funny look. That funny look is a stimulus – it makes you want to laugh! A stimulus is anything that causes a reaction.
👶 For kids: A stimulus is something that makes something else happen. Like, if you touch a hot stove, the heat is a stimulus that makes you pull your hand away!
More Examples
The economic stimulus package aimed to boost consumer spending.
The teacher used a reward system as a stimulus for good behavior in class.
How It's Used
"The loud noise acted as a stimulus, causing the baby to startle."
"The government implemented a tax cut as an economic stimulus."
"Light is a stimulus for plant growth."
From Latin 'stimulus' meaning 'a goad, incentive, or spur.' It reflects the act of provoking or inciting action or response.
The term stimulus has been used since the 17th century, and its usage expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries with advancements in science and economics.
Memory tip
Think of a 'stimulus' as something that 'stirs up' a reaction, like a nudge.