<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object)<ul><li>to rouse to action or effort, as by encouragement or pressure; spur on; incite: A childhood summer learning program was the first thing to stimulate his interest in mathematics.</li><li>Physiology, Medicine/Medical: to excite (a nerve, gland, etc.) to its functional activity.</li><li>to invigorate (a person) by a food or beverage containing a stimulant such as coffee or tea.</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>excite</li><li>activate</li><li>arouse</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object)<ul><li>to act as a stimulus or stimulant.</li></ul></li></ul>