Stimulus
STIM-yoo-lus
/ˈstɪmjʊləs/
A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
Can be internal or external, and refers to anything that causes a response or reaction.
The story behind the word. The word 'stimulus' comes from the Latin 'stimulus,' which originally meant 'a goad, a prick, or a sting.' A 'stimulus' was literally a sharp stick used to prod animals, making them move. By the 17th century, it had taken on its figurative meaning of anything that incites or excites to action, particularly in biological and psychological contexts.
Word relationships
- incentive: Often implies a reward or encouragement, while 'stimulus' can be any trigger.
- impetus: A driving force or impulse, often more abstract than a direct 'stimulus'.
- trigger: A direct cause of an event or reaction, often used interchangeably with 'stimulus'.
- deterrent: Something that discourages or prevents action.
- inhibitor: A substance that slows down or prevents a process.
Word family
- stimulate (verb): To encourage interest or activity in (something).
- stimulation (noun): The action of stimulating or being stimulated.
Collocations
- external stimulus
- sensory stimulus
- economic stimulus
- respond to a stimulus
Example sentences
- "The sudden loud noise acted as a stimulus, causing the animal to jump." Biology experiment
- "The government introduced a financial stimulus package to boost the struggling economy." Economic policy
Memory hook
A STIMULUS 'STIM-ulates' a response, like a poke to get a reaction. Stimulates response
When not to use
Do not use 'stimulus' as a synonym for 'motivation' if the context is purely about psychological drive without an external trigger.
Fun facts
- In psychology, a conditioned stimulus is one that, through association with an unconditioned stimulus, eventually comes to trigger a conditioned response.
- The term 'stimulus-response' is fundamental to behaviorism, a school of thought in psychology.
Related words
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