Excitant: meaning, definitions and examples

Used often in a scientific or medical context to describe substances or factors that cause excitement or stimulation. Typically found in discussions about physiology or neurobiology.

• Caffeine is considered a mild excitant for the central nervous system

Popular in both medical and everyday language to describe substances that increase physiological or nervous activity. Stimulants often refer to drugs or other active substances.

• Coffee acts as a stimulant, increasing alertness and energy levels

Often used in everyday language as well as in psychology and medical contexts. Refers to any event, action, or substance that initiates a reaction or response, often abrupt or significant.

• Seeing a snake can trigger a fear response in many people

Commonly used in scientific, biological, and chemical settings to refer to substances or factors that initiate or increase the activity of certain processes.

• Enzymes serve as activators in many metabolic reactions

Typically used in scientific, economic, or physiological contexts to describe something that causes a reaction or change.

• The government introduced a stimulus package to boost the economy.
• Light acts as a stimulus for the plant to grow.

Refers to something or someone that provides a reason or encouragement to do something, often in a work or personal development context.

• Money can be a strong motivator for employees.
• He served as a motivator for the team during the tough project.

Often relates to creative or intellectual stimulation and the ability to think or do something new or different.

• The artist found inspiration in nature for his latest painting.
• Her speech was a great source of inspiration for many.

Used mainly in scientific or medical contexts to refer to a substance that stimulates or activates a physiological response.

• Caffeine acts as an excitant, increasing alertness and energy levels.
• The doctor prescribed an excitant to help improve his sluggish metabolism.

Often used negatively, it refers to a person or thing that stirs up strong feelings or prompts someone to take an action, usually towards something harmful or controversial.

• The leader was accused of being an inciter of violence during the protests.
• He was seen as an inciter, always pushing others towards risky behaviors.

Used to describe someone who initiates an action or event, it can have a negative connotation especially when referring to causing trouble or conflict.

• The police identified the instigator behind the vandalism spree.
• She was the instigator of the idea to start a charity event.

Refers to something that motivates or encourages someone to take action, often used in economic or workplace environments.

• The company offered a financial incentive to employees who reached their sales targets.
• Tax incentives are provided to businesses that adopt eco-friendly practices.