verb

stimulate

STIHM-yuu-layt

verb

To encourage activity, growth, or interest.

"Lower interest rates are meant to stimulate the economy."

"The teacher used games to stimulate curiosity in the classroom."

To arouse a physical or nervous response.

"Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins."

How to Use Stimulate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo spark activity, growth, or interest in something.

Common pairings

stimulate growth stimulate the economy stimulate interest

stimulated past tense, stimulates singular

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Can you complete this real example?

Lower interest rates are meant to _____ the economy.

From Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare ("to goad or urge on"), from stimulus ("a sharp point or goad").

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