CultureAugust 9, 2026

overstimulated

oh-ver-STIM-yuh-lay-ted

Definition

To have been subjected to an excess of sensory input or excitement, leading to a state of agitation or exhaustion.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'over-' (excessive) and the Latin 'stimulatus,' the past participle of 'stimulare' meaning to goad or urge on, which entered English in the 17th century.

In the news

The article discusses using a 'broken' TV as a way to manage children's behavior, implying that the screen was contributing to them being chronically overstimulated and restless.

I told my kids the TV was broken. Four months later, I'm still pretending.

Read the full article ↗

Business Insider

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