Stimulate (verb)

1. Excite or produce physiological activity in (a nerve, muscle, or organ).
2. Encourage or arouse (someone) to action, thought, or feeling.
3. Provide with an incentive or stimulus.

Origin:

Late middle english: from latin stimulat- "goaded", from the verb stimula, from stimulus "goad, spur".

Examples:

1. The drug stimulates the heart muscle.
2. The music stimulated the dancers to move faster.
3. The teacher tried to stimulate the students' interest in science.
4. The speaker tried to stimulate the audience with his dynamic presentation.
5. The competition was meant to stimulate innovation in the industry.