arousal

[ uh-rou-zuhl ]

noun

1. the act or an instance of waking up:

   Arousals occur naturally during sleep and increase with age.

2. the act of stimulating someone sexually, or the state of being sexually stimulated:

   Some yoga practices improve levels of arousal in sexually unsatisfied women.

3. the act of stirring up or the state of being stirred up; excitement: Relieving teens from stress in conversations can be a very effective way to prevent the arousal of anger.

   Be aware of your level of emotional arousal when making decisions.

   Relieving teens from stress in conversations can be a very effective way to prevent the arousal of anger.

Other Words From

• non·a·rous·al noun
• o·ver·a·rous·al noun
• re·a·rous·al noun
• sem·i·a·rous·al noun
• sub·a·rous·al noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arousal¹

arous(e) ( def ) + -al ²( def )

Example Sentences

One, called the locus coeruleus, is a deep brain region that activates the stress response, promoting arousal and vigilance.

From Salon

A report in the New York Post earlier this spring claimed that salmon sperm was being used as “a non-surgical treatment intended to rejuvenate the vagina and increase sexual arousal.”

From Salon

So far, this is the first time that such approximation of arousal levels using fMRI was attempted in psychedelic research.

From Science Daily

These factors are shaped by earlier experiences and also depend on inner states like our behavioral activity and our vigilance or attentiveness -- often collectively known as "arousal."

From Science Daily

Appearing at his preliminary hearing in 2021, he said he knew he was being recorded by the body camera and touched the woman only for investigative purposes, not sexual arousal.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• encouragement
• enthusiasm
• genius
• incentive
• influence
• insight
• motivation
• revelation
• vision