STIMULATE

vt to excite; to irritate; especially, to excite the activity of (a nerve or an irritable muscle), as by electricity.

2. stimulate ·vt 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.