Stimulate

Part of speech: verb (v.)

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. To excite; to irritate; especially, to excite the activity of (a nerve or an irritable muscle), as by electricity.

Synonyms: animate; incite; encourage; impel; urge; instigate; irritate; exasperate; incense.