stimulate

verb

1. to encourage something to develop, grow, or become more active

   B2

   transitive

   • "The new policy is designed to stimulate economic growth."B2
   • "Warm sunlight stimulates plant growth."C1

2. to make someone interested, excited, or mentally active

   B2

   transitive

   • "The lecture stimulated the students' interest in the subject."B1
   • "The discussion stimulated some original ideas among the students."B2

3. to cause a part of the body or a biological process to become active

   C1

   transitiveformal

   • "Caffeine stimulates the nervous system."B2
   • "The drug was used to stimulate the patient's immune system."B2
   • "The treatment stimulates the production of red blood cells."C1