Stimulation
/ˌstɪm.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/noun
The act or process of increasing activity, arousal, or responsiveness in a person, organism, or system.
Did you know?The word traces back to Latin stimulus, a pointed stick used to drive animals, which became a metaphor for anything that spurs action or thought.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*steig-
“To prick, stab, or stick with a pointed object”
Ancient Latin
Latin
stimulus
“A pointed goad or spur used to drive animals; figuratively, a sharp provocation”
Classical Latin
Latin
stimulare
“To goad, prod, urge, or incite”
Medieval Latin
Latin
stimulatio
“The act of urging, provoking, or rousing”
15th Century
English
stimulation
“The act of stimulating or inciting”
Modern English
English
stimulation
“The process of increasing activity, response, or arousal”