Meaning and usage of 刺激（しげき）?


I've come across this word 刺激 a few times now, but although the dictionary
says it means "stimulation" none of the contexts I've seen it in makes sense
with that definition.

For example

> 「彼から **刺激** を受けた部分が大きい」

meaning "I got a lot of **inspiration** from him"

and

> 「失った記憶を **刺激** すれば、精神にきわめて危険な影響を及ぼしかねない」

meaning "If you **stimulate** lost memories it could have extremely dangerous
effects on the psyche." (I think here it means more "trying to
activate/remember)"

Could anyone explain better what this word means and how to use it?




The word 刺激 (shigeki) in Japanese indeed primarily means "stimulation" or
"stimulus." However, like many words in any language, its meaning can extend
beyond the direct translation depending on the context in which it is used.

Inspiration or Influence: In the first example you provided,
「彼から刺激を受けた部分が大きい」, 刺激 is used in the sense of "inspiration" or "influence."
This usage is common when talking about the impact or influence that one
person has on another. In this context, it's about being mentally or
emotionally stimulated by someone's ideas, behavior, or achievements.

Triggering or Provoking: In the second example,
「失った記憶を刺激すれば、精神にきわめて危険な影響を及ぼしかねない」, 刺激 takes on a meaning closer to
"triggering" or "provoking." It's about stimulating in the sense of trying to
activate or recall something, particularly when talking about memories or
responses. Here, it implies that attempting to bring back lost memories might
provoke or trigger a dangerous psychological response.

In general, 刺激 can be used in various contexts where there is some form of
physical, mental, or emotional activation or provocation. It can be positive,
like in gaining inspiration, or negative, like in triggering a harmful
response. Understanding its use often depends on the context and the nature of
the stimulation being referred to.

