to rouse to action or effort, as by encouragement or pressure; spur on; incite

to stimulate his interest in mathematics.

Physiology, Medicine/Medical . to excite (a nerve, gland, etc.) to its functional activity.

to invigorate (a person) by a food or beverage containing a stimulant, as coffee, tea, or alcoholic liquor.

to act as a stimulus or stimulant.

noun

inspiration , motivation , encouragement , fillip , impetus , impulse , incentive , inducement , prod , push , spur , stimulant , stimulator , incitement , invigoration , piquancy , provocation , refreshment , titillation , tittivation

adjective

animating , aspirational , brisk , catalytic , galvanic , heartening , incisive , inspirational , inspiriting , piquant , poignant , provocative , pungent , stimulating , stimulative , stimulatory

verb

activate , actuate , animate , egg on , foment , galvanize , goad , incite , innervate , inspirit , instigate , invigorate , kindle , motivate , provoke , stimulate , titillate , tittivate , vivify , whet