ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stimulant

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈstɪmjəɫənt// UK //stˈɪmjʊlənt// stim·u·lant

n. a substance that makes you feel more awake, alert, and energetic. Common examples include caffeine in coffee or certain types of medicine.

n. a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body. Often used to describe drugs or chemicals that increase alertness and heart rate.


SIMPLE

Caffeine is a common stimulant found in coffee and tea.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor prescribed a mild stimulant to help the patient manage their chronic fatigue symptoms during the day.

COMPLEX

While some athletes use stimulants to enhance their immediate performance, the long-term physiological toll on the cardiovascular system can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

Synonyms
Usage

Often paired with the adjectives 'mild', 'strong', or 'central nervous system'.

© 2026 English Reference