stimulation

[ stim-yuh-ley-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of exciting a nerve, gland, etc., to its functional activity:

   The fungus is known to have diverse effects on the body, from stimulation of the nervous system to constriction of blood vessels.

2. something that arouses interest, inspiration, or incitement to action:

   Children, with their developing brains, love stimulation and novelty.

3. a cause or incitement:

   Improved rural-urban communication links often act as stimulation for the growth of local towns.

Other Words From

• an·ti·stim·u·la·tion noun
• hy·per·stim·u·la·tion noun
• in·ter·stim·u·la·tion noun
• non·stim·u·la·tion noun
• o·ver·stim·u·la·tion noun
• post·stim·u·la·tion adjective
• pre·stim·u·la·tion noun
• re·stim·u·la·tion noun
• self-stim·u·la·tion noun
• su·per·stim·u·la·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulation¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin stimulātiō “incentive”; equivalent to stimulate ( def ) + -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

The microscopic algae have an extremely fast response to stimuli — such as breaking waves — and produce their glow 15 milliseconds after stimulation, researchers say.

From Los Angeles Times

But when they found they could only have stimulation drugs on the NHS, she says she turned to her mum and asked, "What do we do?"

From BBC

Thankfully, the dramatic coastal bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula provide visual stimulation for the long hikes — plus, those Instagram-worthy photos and the breezes to savor.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a lot. There’s a lot of visual stimulation.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical exercise,” says Jae.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• incentive
• stimulant