stimulus
What provokes reaction
A stimulus is something that provokes a response or reaction.
In biology and psychology, stimuli trigger physiological or behavioral responses: The loud noise was a stimulus that made everyone jump.
In economics, stimulus refers to government spending or policies designed to boost economic activity: The stimulus package aimed to create jobs.
More broadly, anything that spurs action or heightens activity can be a stimulus: Competition was a stimulus to innovation.
Signal-carrying body fiber
- neuronImpulse-conducting cell
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- reflexInvoluntary stimulus response
impulse · excitation · inhibition · depolarization · threshold · summation · afferent · efferent
What initiates action
- sparkTiny fiery particle
- impetusForce initiating action
- spurIncentive or heel device
- driverVehicle operator
prompt · cause · ignition · initiator · activator · precipitant · springboard · genesis
Incite a response
- triggerWhat initiates action
- irritantSource of vexation
- agitationDisturbed, restless state
- incitementProvoking unlawful behavior
goad · spur · antagonism · affront · taunt · challenge · reaction · inflammatory
Answer to stimulus
- conditioningLearned behavioral adaptation
- controlAuthority to direct
- variableProne to fluctuation
- subjectMatter under discussion
trial · placebo · reinforcement · Pavlovian · Skinnerian · behavioral · reaction · habituation
Perceived stimulus or phenomenon
- perceptionMental interpretation of stimuli
- touchPerceiving through physical contact
- tasteFlavor perception ability
- smellOlfactory perception
sound · sight · pain · pleasure · warmth · cold · vibration · texture
Source of creative impulse
vision · insight · prompt · springboard · brainstorm · imagination · creativity · innovation
nerve
Signal-carrying body fiber
reflex · impulse · excitation · inhibition · depolarization · threshold · summation · afferent · efferent · sensorimotor
trigger
What initiates action
driver · prompt · cause · ignition · initiator · activator · precipitant · springboard · genesis · instigator
provoke
Incite a response
incitement · goad · spur · antagonism · affront · taunt · challenge · reaction · inflammatory · aggravation
response
Answer to stimulus
- conditioningLearned behavioral adaptation
- controlAuthority to direct
- variableProne to fluctuation
subject · trial · placebo · reinforcement · Pavlovian · Skinnerian · behavioral · reaction · habituation · sensitization
sensation
Perceived stimulus or phenomenon
- perceptionMental interpretation of stimuli
- touchPerceiving through physical contact
- tasteFlavor perception ability
smell · sound · sight · pain · pleasure · warmth · cold · vibration · texture · brightness
inspiration
Source of creative impulse
influence · vision · insight · prompt · springboard · brainstorm · imagination · creativity · innovation · concept
reward
Payment for service
- bonusReward beyond expectation
- inducementMotivating factor or offer
- enticementSomething that attracts
benefit · subsidy · grant · rebate · carrot · sweetener · bounty · premium · kickback · bribe
- financial supportaid, allowance, funding, financial aid, grants
- economic policymonetary policy, tax policy, fiscal discipline, fiscal restraint, tariff
- Latin Termsa priori, ab initio, ad hoc, ad lib, bona fide
- Latin Wordsad, ad nauseam, et, caveat emptor, affidavit
- Bailoutsbailout, bank bailout, bank bailouts, rescue package, rescue fund
- emergency measuresbailouts, emergency funds, emergency powers, relief bills, crisis management
stimulusresponse
Answer to stimulus
reaction · effect · result · outcome · consequence
stimulusdeterrent
Thing that discourages action
disincentive · discouragement · hindrance · impediment · obstacle
stimulusdepressant
Agent that reduces activity
sedative · tranquilizer · relaxant · calmative · soporific
- electrical stimulationCurrent applied to body
- fiscal stimulusGovernment spending to boost economy
- stimulus checkGovernment-issued emergency funds
- stimulus packageGovernment spending to revive economy
- mental stimulationEngagement of cognitive faculties
- economic stimulusMeasures to revive economy
stimulate, stimulating, stimulant, stimulation, unstimulating, stimuli, stimulator, overstimulation, unstimulated