Stimulant
/ˈstɪmjʊlənt/noun
A substance or thing that increases activity, energy, or alertness.
Did you know?Its ancestor is Latin *stimulus*, a sharp stick used to prod animals, which is why the word still carries the ancient idea of forcing something dormant into action.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
stimulus
“a goad, spur, or pointed instrument used to drive animals”
Late Latin
Latin
stimulare
“to goad, prick, urge on, or excite”
Middle French
French
stimulant
“stimulating, exciting, or rousing”
16th Century
English
stimulant
“stimulating; tending to excite or rouse”
Modern English
English
stimulant
“a substance that increases physiological or mental activity”
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