B2[T]to encourage something to grow, develop, or become active: The government plans to cut taxes in order to stimulate the economy.Causing things to happenB2[I or T]to make someone excited and interested about something: The film was intended to stimulate and amuse.[+ obj + to infinitive]Good teachers should ask questions that stimulate students to think.Erotic images are often more sexually stimulating to men than to women.Inspiration and inspiringMaking people excited and interestedInspiration and inspiring›[T]specializedto cause part of the body to operate: The drugs stimulate the damaged tissue into repairing itself.Standing on your head is supposed to stimulate hair growth.Animal and plant biology - general words