Stĭm′/ŭ-lāte, v. t.
[imp. & p. p. STIMULATED; p. pr. & vb. n. STIMULATING.] [Lat. stimulare, stimulatum, to prick or goad on, to incite, from stimulus, a goad; It. stimolare, Sp. estimular, Fr. stimuler.
Sense 1. To prick or goad; hence, 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.
Sense 2. (Med.) To produce an exaltation of vital activity in.
Synonyms—To animate; incite; encourage; impel; urge; instigate; irritate; exasperate; incense.