stim ‧ u ‧ late /ˈstɪmjəleɪt, ˈstɪmjʊleɪt/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: past participle of stimulare , from stimulus ; ⇨ ↑ stimulus ]
1 . to encourage or help an activity to begin or develop further OPP suppress
stimulate growth/demand/the economy etc
the President’s plan to stimulate economic growth
2 . to encourage someone by making them excited about and interested in something:
Her interest in art was stimulated by her father.
stimulate somebody to do something
An inspiring teacher can stimulate students to succeed.
3 . to make a plant or part of the body become active or stronger OPP suppress :
Light stimulates plant growth.
—stimulative /-lətɪv $ -leɪtɪv/ adjective
—stimulation /ˌstɪmjəˈleɪʃ ə n, ˌstɪmjʊˈleɪʃ ə n/ noun [uncountable] :
Children need variety and stimulation.