stimulate

[stim-yuh-leyt] / ˈstɪm yəˌleɪt /

VERB

excite, provoke

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arouse encourage inspire prompt quicken spark spur trigger vitalize

STRONG

activate animate commove dynamize elate energize enliven exhilarate fan fire foment foster galvanize goad grab hook impel incite inflame innervate instigate jazz motivate move perk pique prod rouse send spirit support urge vivify whet

WEAK

build a fire under fire up get one going get one started innerve juice key up set up steam up stir up turn on wake up work up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block discourage dissuade halt stop

STRONG

bore dampen delay depress deter dishearten dull let go neglect release tire

WEAK

calm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In “Undertone,” all of the horror tropes are window dressing — elements to stimulate the eye while Tuason plays with the ear.

From Salon

High prices stimulate producers to find more supplies, and consumers to cut consumption.

From MarketWatch

Consumption would be stimulated and investors would have a reason to sell bonds and plow more funds into equities.

From The Wall Street Journal

So the rhetoric from leaders at this NPC who pledged to "vigorously stimulate consumer demand" will be welcomed.

From BBC

As a menthol analogue, it activates the cooling pathway, which helps stimulate tear production and relieve irritation.

From Science Daily