D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Stimulate

/stĭm'-yəl-ātˌ/ · Stim·u·late · IPA /ˈstɪm.jəˌleɪt/
01 v. t. 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,…
imp. & p. p. Stimulated; p. pr. & vb. n. Stimulating
  1. 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.
    “To excite and stimulate us thereunto.” — Dr. J. Scott.
  2. 2.
    To excite; to irritate; especially, to excite the activity of (a nerve or an irritable muscle), as by electricity.(Physiol.)