Stim"u*late (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stimulated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Stimulating.] [L. stimulatus, p.p. of stimulare to prick or goad on, to incite, fr. stimulus a goad. See Stimulus.]

1.

To excite as if with a goad; to excite, rouse, or animate, to action or more vigorous exertion by some pungent motive or by persuasion; as, to stimulate one by the hope of reward, or by the prospect of glory.

To excite and stimulate us thereunto. Dr. J. Scott.

2. Physiol.

To excite; to irritate; especially, to excite the activity of (a nerve or an irritable muscle), as by electricity.

Syn. -- To animate; incite; encourage; impel; urge; instigate; irritate; exasperate; incense.

 

© Webster 1913.

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