stimulate

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Stimulated p. pr. & vb. n. Stimulating. ] [ L. stimulatus, p. p. of stimulare to prick or goad on, to incite, fr. stimulus a goad. See Stimulus. ] 1. To excite as if with a goad; to excite, rouse, or animate, to action or more vigorous exertion by some pungent motive or by persuasion; as, to stimulate one by the hope of reward, or by the prospect of glory. [ 1913 Webster ]

To excite and stimulate us thereunto. Dr. J. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Physiol.) To excite; to irritate; especially, to excite the activity of (a nerve or an irritable muscle), as by electricity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To animate; incite; encourage; impel; urge; instigate; irritate; exasperate; incense. [ 1913 Webster ]