Definition of: stimulate

(stim′yə·lāt) v. ·lat·ed, ·lat·ing v.t.
1. To rouse to activity or to quickened action by some agency or motive; spur.
2. To arouse, or to increase action in, by applying some form of stimulus: to stimulate the skin.
3. To affect by intoxicants.
—v.i.
4. To act as a stimulant. See synonyms under ENCOURAGE, PIQUE¹, SPUR, STIR¹. [<L stimulatus, pp. of stimulare prick, goad <stimulus a goad]
—stim′u·lat′er, stim′u·la′tor noun
—stim′u·la′·tion noun