'non-stimulative' originates from the English prefix 'non-' and the adjective 'stimulative'. 'non-' ultimately comes from Latin 'non' meaning 'not', and 'stimulative' derives from Latin 'stimulare' meaning 'to incite or goad'.

'stimulative' developed from Latin 'stimulare' (to goad) and Medieval/Latinate formations such as Medieval Latin 'stimulativus', with the adjectival suffix '-ive' producing English 'stimulative'; the English prefix 'non-' was later attached in modern English usage to form 'non-stimulative'.

Initially tied to the literal sense of 'goading' or 'urging on' in Latin, the stem came to mean 'causing physiological or mental activation' in English; 'non-stimulative' later evolved to mean 'not producing such activation or stimulation'.