encourage，inspire，excite，stimulate
encourage 指提高某人情绪，增强战胜困难，实现目标的信心和勇气。
inspire 通常指鼓起勇气，充满信心和希望。
excite 主要指某人的言行或其它外界因素使他人变得兴奋或感情冲动，多用被动态。
stimulate 尤指人或物因外界因素而受到刺激，使人振作起来或增强做某事的信心和勇气。
参考例句
1. His clever joke stimulated us.
他讲的那个机智的玩笑令大家兴奋不已。
2. High prices will stimulate production.
高价将会刺激生产。
3. Review recipes and implement new ideas to stimulate sales.
审查食谱和实施新的建议，以促进销售。
参考例句
1.V-T To stimulate something means to encourage it to begin or develop further. 鼓励; 刺激
例：Americas priority is rightly to stimulate its economy.
美国的首要任务自然是刺激经济。
2.stimulation N-UNCOUNT 鼓励; 刺激
例：...an economy in need of stimulation.
一个需要刺激的经济。
3.V-T If you are stimulated by something, it makes you feel full of ideas and enthusiasm. 激励
例：Bill was stimulated by the challenge.
比尔受到该挑战的激励。
4.stimulating ADJ 激励的
例：It is a complex yet stimulating book.
这是一本复杂却能引发兴趣的书。
5.V-T If something stimulates a part of a persons body, it causes it to move or start working. 刺激
例：Exercise stimulates the digestive and excretory systems.
运动刺激消化和排泄系统。
6.stimulating ADJ 刺激的
例：...the stimulating effect of adrenaline.
肾上腺素的刺激作用。
常见用法
用作及物动词
Light stimulates plant growth.
光会刺激植物生长。
Alcohol stimulates the action of the heart.
酒刺激心脏的活动。
Praise always stimulates him to further efforts.
一表扬他就能激励他更加努力。
Im trying to stimulate him to study harder.
我试图激励他更加用功读书。
I hoped my warning would stimulate her to greater efforts.
我希望我的告诫会促使她作出更大的努力。