noun
something that rouses the mind or spirits or incites to activity
the war proved a stimulus to the economy
sought a stimulus to take her mind off her own troubles
Synonyms: catalyst, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, motivation, propellant, provocative, push, spur, stimulant; compare motive 1
Related Word: boost, encouragement, inducement, invitation, urging; cause, motive; excitement, piquing, provocation, stimulation