stimulus

Definition

An external phenomenon that has an influence on a system, by triggering or modifying an internal phenomenon; for example, a spur or incentive that drives a person to take action or change behaviour.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin stimulus (“goad, prick”).

Example Sentences

• "an economic stimulus"
• "From the beginning of the show to the end, vanity is the sole stimulus and reward of action—vanity, that never looks beyond the present."
• "Democrats, meanwhile, point out that Republicans seem to have made a conscious decision, beginning with the stimulus, to oppose anything the president put forward, dooming any chance of renewed cooperation between the parties."