stimulant
[noun]
Synonyms: pick-me-up (informal), restorative, tonic, upper (slang)

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

stim‧u‧lant /ˈstɪmjələnt, ˈstɪmjʊlənt/ noun [countable]

1. a drug or substance that makes you feel more active and full of energy:
artificial stimulants

2. something that encourages more of a particular activity Synonym : stimulus:
economic stimulants
stimulant to
Increases in new construction would be a stimulant to the economy.
—stimulant adjective:
a drug with stimulant properties

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

stimulant
noun
BAD: Political stability acts as a stimulant for foreign investment.
GOOD: Political stability acts as a stimulus for foreign investment.

Usage Note:
A stimulant is a drug, medicine, etc, which makes the mind or body more active: 'The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant.'
When you are not talking about a drug or medicine, use stimulus
(= something which causes activity, growth, or greater effort): 'The new textbook provided a good stimulus for both teachers and students.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲