stimulus

[ stim-yuh-luhs ]

noun

, plural stim·u·li [stim, -y, uh, -lahy].

1. something that incites to action or exertion or quickens action, feeling, thought, etc.:

   The approval of others is a potent stimulus.

   Synonyms: provocation, motive, enticement, incitement

   Antonyms: discouragement

2. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. something that excites an organism or part to functional activity.

   Synonyms: stimulant

stimulus

/ ˈstɪmjʊləs /

noun

1. something that stimulates or acts as an incentive
2. any drug, agent, electrical impulse, or other factor able to cause a response in an organism
3. an object or event that is apprehended by the senses
4. med a former name for stimulant

stimulus

/ stĭm′yə-ləs /

, Plural stimuli stĭm′yə-lī′

1. Physiology.
   Something that can elicit or evoke a physiological response in a cell, a tissue, or an organism. A stimulus can be internal or external. Sense organs, such as the ear, and sensory receptors, such as those in the skin, are sensitive to external stimuli such as sound and touch.
2. Something that has an impact or an effect on an organism so that its behavior is modified in a detectable way.
3. See more at classical conditioning

stimulus

1. plur. stimuli ( stim -yuh-leye) An action, condition, or person that provokes a response, especially a conditioned response .

Other Words From

• in·ter·stim·u·lus noun plural interstimuli
• post·stim·u·lus adjective
• pre·stim·u·lus noun plural prestimuli
• un·der·stim·u·lus noun plural understimuli

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulus¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin: “a goad”

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulus¹

C17: from Latin: a cattle goad

Example Sentences

The combination of both digital and physical stimulus is intended to engage audience members more directly and give them the feeling that they are part of the story.

From BBC

Meanwhile, pandemic relief, including stimulus checks, did start during the Trump administration and helped reduce poverty rates.

From Salon

And since then, their finances and spending have been supported by stable jobs — layoffs have remained unusually low — large government support, including stimulus checks, and appreciating assets.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s $16 billion in federal stimulus money awaiting club owners if the Small Business Administration can ever fix its website.

From Los Angeles Times

The three rounds of stimulus relief — including the infamous check that has Trump’s name on it — came about because Democrats in Congress pushed to help struggling Americans, not because of Republican compassion.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• catalyst
• encouragement
• fillip
• impetus
• incentive
• motivation
• stimulant
• stimulation