stimulus

Plural: stimuli, stimuluses

Noun

• Something that incites activity, growth, or a response.
• any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action
• 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.
• Something external that elicits or influences a physiological or psychological activity or response, or that affects any of the sensory apparatuses.
• A stinging part on the body of a plant or insect.

Examples

• The double word score served as a powerful STIMULUS for a more aggressive play.

Synonyms

input, stimulant, stimulation, impetus, impulse, influence, spur