noun

arousal

arousal, excitement, stimulation

The movie caused a state of emotional arousal.

The film caused a state of emotional arousal.

Sexual arousal is a complex physiological process.

Sexual arousal is a complex physiological process.

((emotional/sexual etc.)) arousal a state of being stimulated The book discusses emotional arousal in children.

Synonyms: excitement, stimulation, awakening; Antonyms: calmness, lethargy

From the verb 'arouse', which comes from Old French 'a-' (to) + 'rouser' (to rouse, wake up).

Think of 'a rise' in feeling or energy. Arousal is the state of being woken up or stimulated.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.