What is the meaning of stimulate?

verb

• Act as a stimulant.
  • usage: "The book stimulated her imagination"; "This play stimulates"
  • synonyms: excite
• Cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner.
  • usage: "The ads induced me to buy a VCR"; "My children finally got me to buy a computer"; "My wife made me buy a new sofa"
  • synonyms: induce, cause, have, get, make
• Stir the feelings, emotions, or peace of.
  • usage: "These stories shook the community"; "the civil war shook the country"
  • synonyms: shake, shake up, excite, stir
• Cause to be alert and energetic.
  • usage: "Coffee and tea stimulate me"; "This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate"
  • synonyms: arouse, brace, energize, energise, perk up
• Cause to occur rapidly.
  • usage: "the infection precipitated a high fever and allergic reactions"
  • synonyms: induce, rush, hasten
• Stir feelings in.
  • usage: "stimulate my appetite"; "excite the audience"; "stir emotions"
  • synonyms: excite, stir
• Provide the needed stimulus for.
  • synonyms: provoke