stimulate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈstɪmjʊleɪt/

verb

[with object]
  • raise levels of physiological or nervous activity in (the body or any biological system): the women are given fertility drugs to stimulate their ovaries
  • encourage or arouse interest or enthusiasm in: the reader could not fail to be stimulated by the ideas presented
  • encourage development of or increased activity in (a state or process): the courses stimulate a passion for learning

Derivatives

stimulation

Pronunciation: /-ˈleɪʃ(ə)n/
noun

stimulative

Pronunciation: /-lətɪv/
adjective

stimulator

noun

stimulatory

adjective

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'sting, afflict'): from Latin stimulat- 'urged, goaded', from the verb stimulare