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stimu|lant /st I mjʊlənt/ (stimulants ) N‑COUNT A stimulant is a drug that makes your body work faster, often increasing your heart rate and making you less likely to sleep.

stimu|late ◆◇◇ /st I mjʊle I t/ (stimulates , stimulating , stimulated )

1 VERB To stimulate something means to encourage it to begin or develop further. □ [V n] America's priority is rightly to stimulate its economy. □ [V n] The Commonwealth Games have stimulated public interest in doing sport. ●  stimu|la|tion /st I mjʊle I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □  …an economy in need of stimulation.

2 VERB [usu passive] If you are stimulated by something, it makes you feel full of ideas and enthusiasm. □ [be V -ed] Bill was stimulated by the challenge. □ [be V -ed to-inf] I was stimulated to examine my deepest thoughts. ●  stimu|lat|ing ADJ □  It is a complex yet stimulating book. □  The atmosphere was always stimulating. ●  stimu|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] Many enjoy the mental stimulation of a challenging job.

3 VERB If something stimulates a part of a person's body, it causes it to move or start working. □ [V n] Exercise stimulates the digestive and excretory systems. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The body is stimulated to build up resistance. ●  stimu|lat|ing ADJ □  …the stimulating effect of adrenaline. ●  stimu|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □  …physical stimulation. □ [+ of ] The stimulation of the nerves in the feet stimulates the whole central nervous system.

stimu|la|tive /st I mjʊlət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a government policy has a stimulative effect on the economy, it encourages the economy to grow. □  It is possible that a tax cut might have some stimulative effect.

stimu|lus /st I mjʊləs/ (stimuli /st I mjʊla I /) N‑VAR A stimulus is something that encourages activity in people or things. □  Interest rates could fall soon and be a stimulus to the U.S. economy.

sting /st I ŋ/ (stings , stinging , stung )

1 VERB If a plant, animal, or insect stings you, a sharp part of it, usually covered with poison, is pushed into your skin so that you feel a sharp pain. □ [V n] The nettles stung their legs. □ [V ] This type of bee rarely stings.

2 N‑COUNT The sting of an insect or animal is the part that stings you. □  Remove the bee sting with tweezers.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you feel a sting , you feel a sharp pain in your skin or other part of your body. □  This won't hurt–you will just feel a little sting.

4 VERB If a part of your body stings , or if a substance stings it, you feel a sharp pain there. □ [V ] His cheeks were stinging from the icy wind. □ [V n] Sprays can sting sensitive skin.

5 VERB [no cont] If someone's remarks sting you, they make you feel hurt and annoyed. □ [V n] He's a sensitive lad and some of the criticism has stung him.

sting|ray /st I ŋre I / (stingrays ) N‑COUNT A stingray is a type of large flat fish with a long tail which it can use as a weapon.

stin|gy /st I ndʒi/ (stingier , stingiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as stingy , you are criticizing them for being unwilling to spend money. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □  Winston was not a stingy man.

stink /st I ŋk/ (stinks , stinking , stank , stunk )