English Reference
noun

stimulation

n.
US /ˌstɪmjəˈɫeɪʃən/ UK /stˌɪmjʊlˈeɪʃən/ stim·u·la·tion UK spelling stimulations

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    something that causes a physical reaction in the body or brain.

    the physiological arousal of an organism or a specific organ resulting from external or internal stimuli.

    Simple

    The baby needs visual stimulation, like bright colors and moving toys, to help their brain develop.

    In context

    Electrical stimulation of the muscle fibers allowed the researchers to observe the contraction patterns without relying on voluntary neural signals.

    Usage

    Often used with 'of' followed by the body part or system being activated.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    the feeling of being interested and excited by new ideas or activities.

    the provision of interesting or challenging input that encourages mental activity or engagement.

    Simple

    He moved to the city because he wanted more intellectual stimulation than his small town provided.

    In context

    The university environment provides constant mental stimulation through guest lectures, diverse student debates, and access to extensive research archives.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of helping something, like a business or the economy, to grow and become more active.

    the act of encouraging or accelerating a process, particularly within an economic or social framework.

    Simple

    The government hopes that lower taxes will provide the stimulation the economy needs.

    In context

    The central bank argued that further monetary stimulation was necessary to prevent the manufacturing sector from entering a prolonged period of decline.


From Latin stimulātiō. Morphologically stimulate + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin stimulātiō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated