stimulate
STIHM-yuu-layt
Stimulate (verb) means to encourage activity, growth, or interest. Example: “Lower interest rates are meant to stimulate the economy.”
verb
1
To encourage activity, growth, or interest.
"Lower interest rates are meant to stimulate the economy."
"The teacher used games to stimulate curiosity in the classroom."
"Bright pictures and puzzles can stimulate children's interest in reading."
2
To arouse a physical or nervous response.
"Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins."
"The doctor used a gentle current to stimulate the muscle in his arm."
"Strong coffee can stimulate your nervous system and make you feel alert."
How to use stimulate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo spark activity, growth, or interest in something.
Common pairings
stimulate growth
stimulate the economy
stimulate interest
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- stimulates
- Past tense
- stimulated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Lower interest rates are meant to _____ the economy.
Etymology
From Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare ("to goad or urge on"), from stimulus ("a sharp point or goad").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for stimulate
See all rhymes for stimulate →Frequently asked questions
What does “stimulate” mean?
The word “stimulate” means to encourage activity, growth, or interest. In plain terms, to spark activity, growth, or interest in something.
How do you pronounce “stimulate”?
“Stimulate” is pronounced STIHM-yuu-layt (/ˈstɪm.jəˌleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “stimulate” in a sentence?
Here is “stimulate” used in a sentence: “Lower interest rates are meant to stimulate the economy.”
What part of speech is “stimulate”?
“Stimulate” is a verb.
Where does the word “stimulate” come from?
The word “stimulate” comes from Latin. From Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare ("to goad or urge on"), from stimulus ("a sharp point or goad").
Is “stimulate” a common word?
“Stimulate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “stimulate” have?
“Stimulate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to encourage activity, growth, or interest.
What is the difference between stimulate and motivate?
Stimulate means to encourage activity, growth, or interest, and often applies to processes, systems, or the body, such as stimulating the economy or a nerve response. Motivate specifically refers to giving someone a personal reason or desire to act. Stimulate has a broader, more physical or systemic reach, while motivate is centered on individual will.
