stimulant

[ stim-yuh-luhnt ]

noun

1. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. something that temporarily quickens some vital process or the functional activity of some organ or part: Compare depressant ( def 4 ).

   Adrenalin is a stimulant for the heart.

2. any food or beverage that stimulates, especially coffee, tea, or, in its initial effect, alcoholic liquor.
3. a stimulus or incentive.

adjective

1. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. temporarily quickening some vital process or functional activity.
2. stimulating.

stimulant

/ ˈstɪmjʊlənt /

noun

1. a drug or similar substance that increases physiological activity, esp of a particular organ
2. any stimulating agent or thing

adjective

1. increasing physiological activity; stimulating

stimulant

/ stĭm′yə-lənt /

1. An agent, especially a drug, that causes increased activity, especially of the nervous or cardiovascular systems. Caffeine is a commonly used stimulant.

Other Words From

• anti·stimu·lant adjective noun
• non·stimu·lant noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulant¹

First recorded in 1720–30, stimulant is from the Latin word stimulant- (stem of stimulāns, present participle of stimulāre to goad). See stimulus, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulant¹

C18: from Latin stimulāns goading, from stimulāre to urge on; see stimulus

Example Sentences

It’s a mix of antidepressants, antipsychotics, a stimulant, and a few things for seizures.

From Slate

The report revealed that a letter from Fifa official Mihailo Andrejevic informed the president of the German Athletics Association, Max Danz, that "fine traces" of ephedrine - a central nervous system stimulant - were found in three players of the German national team.

From BBC

Scientists are still learning about its complex effects, which can range from stimulant to sedative and stem from chemical compounds called alkaloids.

From Los Angeles Times

Specifically, prosecutors allege that he falsely claimed that he was "not an unlawful user of and addicted to any stimulant narcotic drug" when he purchased a Colt Cobra Special revolver.

From BBC

“Hunter Biden possessed a firearm while knowing he was an unlawful user of or addicted to any stimulant, narcotic drug or any other controlled substance, in violation of federal law,” prosecutors said.

From New York Times

Related Words

• catalyst
• drug
• impetus
• stimulus