Etymology Map
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Stimulus

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means something that causes a reaction or growth

Where does the word "stimulus" come from? It comes from Latin stimulus, adopted directly into English (1680s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
stimulus
Latin · ancient
"goad"
a pointed goad for driving cattle
2
Stage 2 of 2
stimulus
English · 1680s
"something that provokes a response"
used in medicine, then psychology and economics
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Stimulus’s story begins in Latin: stimulus meant “goad.” A pointed goad for driving cattle. It reached English by 1680s as stimulus. Used in medicine, then psychology and economics. Today, stimulus means something that causes a reaction or growth.