Edit page | Page history | Printable version

stimulate

1. To excite as if with a goad; to excite, rouse, or animate, to action or more vigorous exertion by some pungent motive or by persuasion; as, to stimulate one by the hope of reward, or by the prospect of glory. To excite and stimulate us thereunto. (dr. J. Scott)

2. (Science: physiology) To excite; to irritate; especially, to excite the activity of (a nerve or an irritable muscle), as by electricity.

Synonym: To animate, incite, encourage, impel, urge, instigate, irritate, exasperate, incense.

Origin: L. Stimulatus, p.p. Of stimulare to prick or goad on, to incite, fr. Stimulus a goad. See Stimulus.