stimulate

stimulate — verb

1. to make a process, activity, or system become more active, stronger, or faster,

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a process, activity, or system become more active, stronger, or faster, often by creating helpful conditions or providing what it needs

例句

The government hopes the new tax cuts will stimulate economic growth.

collocation: stimulate economic growth

Doing regular light exercise stimulates blood flow and keeps the heart healthy.

stimulate + noun phrase (blood flow, circulation)

同義詞
  • boost

    more informal, often used for numbers or sales

  • encourage

    softer, implies supporting rather than forcing

  • spur

    suggests a sudden or sharp push toward action

  • activate

    more technical; implies turning on a dormant process

反義詞

文法句型

stimulate + noun phrase (growth, economy, demand, circulation)

用法筆記

The object is typically an abstract or collective noun such as growth, demand, the economy, the imagination, or creativity.

常見錯誤

❌The policy stimulated.
✅The policy stimulated economic activity.
💡'stimulate' in this sense needs a direct object to say what becomes more active.

2. to make someone feel interested, curious, or eager to learn more about something

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make someone feel interested, curious, or eager to learn more about something or to take action

例句

The teacher's unusual question stimulated the students to think more deeply.

stimulate + person + to-infinitive

A good travel guide should stimulate the reader's wish to explore new places.

同義詞
  • arouse

    slightly more formal; often used for emotions and interest

  • spark

    more informal; suggests a quick sudden start

反義詞
  • bore

    to make someone lose interest

文法句型

stimulate + noun phrase (interest, curiosity, discussion)

stimulate + person + to-infinitive

用法筆記

The object is often a person's mental or emotional state (interest, curiosity, imagination, desire) rather than the person directly.

常見錯誤

❌The lecture stimulated me.
✅The lecture stimulated my interest in astronomy.
💡In this sense, 'stimulate' takes an abstract object like interest or curiosity, not a person as a direct object.

3. to cause a specific organ, nerve, muscle, or other tissue to start working or in

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to cause a specific organ, nerve, muscle, or other tissue to start working or increase its natural activity

例句

The physiotherapist used a gentle electric current to stimulate the damaged muscle.

Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to help relieve chronic pain.

同義詞
  • activate

    more technical; common in neuroscience and physiology

  • trigger

    suggests a sudden response or reflex

反義詞
  • sedate

    to reduce activity, often with medication

文法句型

stimulate + noun phrase (nerve, muscle, organ, follicle)

用法筆記

Common in medical, therapeutic, and scientific contexts. The subject is usually a treatment, a device, or a physical action applied to the body.

4. If a substance such as a drug or chemical stimulates your mind or body, it makes

4.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

If a substance such as a drug or chemical stimulates your mind or body, it makes you more alert, energetic, or active for a short time

例句

The caffeine in coffee stimulates the brain and helps people stay awake.

collocation: caffeine stimulates the brain

Rania avoids energy drinks because the sweeteners over-stimulate her nervous system.

同義詞
  • invigorate

    more formal; suggests making someone feel fresh and energetic

  • perk up

    informal; used in everyday conversation

反義詞
  • calm

    to reduce excitement or activity

  • sedate

    to make someone sleepy or less active

文法句型

stimulate + noun phrase (nervous system, appetite, mind)

intransitive: noun + stimulates

用法筆記

The subject is typically a substance (caffeine, a medication, a chemical). Unlike sense 3, this sense describes the inherent property of a substance rather than a deliberate external action. Can be used intransitively: 'The drink stimulates.'