Definition of stimulate

The word "stimulate" originated in the Middle English language during the 14th century. It is derived from the Old French word "estimer" meaning "to estimate" or "to value." This is because the action of stimulating something can be seen as a valuable or necessary precondition for further developments or responses. However, in the late 15th century, the meaning of the word shifted to signify the sensation of being excited or agitated, such as the way one's senses may be aroused by pleasant odors or flavors. This definition is derived from the Latin word "stimulare," which means "to dawn upon" or "to look at." Later, during the 17th century, the current medical and scientific meaning of stimulate as "to cause a natural bodily action to occur" emerged. This meaning evolved from the idea that certain substances or actions, when applied to the body, could provoke a physiological response similar to that provoked by a physical stimulus such as a blow. Overall, the evolution of the word "stimulate" reflects both our historical understanding of the body and our shifting conceptions of its functionality and operation over time.