Word
stimulation
Phoneticsstim·u·la·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌstɪmjəˈɫeɪʃən/
UK/stˌɪmjʊlˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01sensory or biological input
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. something that causes a physical reaction in the body or brain.
n. the physiological arousal of an organism or a specific organ resulting from external or internal stimuli.
“The baby needs visual stimulation, like bright colors and moving toys, to help their brain develop.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02intellectual interest
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic
n. the feeling of being interested and excited by new ideas or activities.
n. the provision of interesting or challenging input that encourages mental activity or engagement.
“He moved to the city because he wanted more intellectual stimulation than his small town provided.”
“The university environment provides constant mental stimulation through guest lectures, diverse student debates, and access to extensive research archives.”
Synonyms
03economic or social boost
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of helping something, like a business or the economy, to grow and become more active.
n. the act of encouraging or accelerating a process, particularly within an economic or social framework.
“The government hopes that lower taxes will provide the stimulation the economy needs.”
“The central bank argued that further monetary stimulation was necessary to prevent the manufacturing sector from entering a prolonged period of decline.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The published paper reports that electrical signals slowed after this stimulation, with the effect lasting at least an hour.” “Vagal nerve stimulation has treated epilepsy and depression for four decades, but as Liberles puts it, it’s like pressing all the keys on the piano to hit one note.” Etymology
From Latin stimulātiō. Morphologically stimulate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/stimulation