stim

[ stim ]

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in repetitive physical movements or articulated noises, often in reaction to a mental or emotional state: especially common in young children and those with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder.

noun

1. Also called self-stim·u·la·tor·y be·hav·ior [self, -, stim, -y, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-ee bi-, heyv, -yer]. a repeated physical movement or articulated noise, ranging from full body rocking or leg bouncing to head banging and hand flapping, exhibited by many people, often in reaction to a mental or emotional state, but especially by young children and those with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder:

   Some common stims like chewing your nails or twirling your hair are similar in their purpose and result to the stims of a child who sucks his thumb or flicks his fingers.

stim

/ stɪm /

noun

1. used with a negative a very small amount

   she hasn't a stim of sense

   I couldn't see a stim

Word History and Origins

Origin of stim¹

First recorded in 1980–85; by shortening of stimming ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of stim¹

of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Stimulant, stim′ū-lant, adj. stimulating: increasing or exciting vital action.

From Project Gutenberg

But if you do, you'll never have a stim of sight in the eye again, and that's why we don't like to do it.

From Project Gutenberg

He couldn't see a stim; but he would walk all the roads, and give the right turn, without ever touching the wall.

From Project Gutenberg

He couldn't see a stim, and that is why he had such great knowledge.

From Project Gutenberg

But if you do, you'll never have a stim of sight in the eye again.'

From Project Gutenberg