aroused

[ uh-rouzd ]

adjective

1. stirred up to strong response:

   The Legislature must answer for its actions to an informed and highly aroused public.

2. showing or feeling sexual excitement:

   "I must ask you that question more often, husband," she says, an aroused glow in her eyes.

3. awake and alert:

   In this long arctic winter the new moon makes me lethargic, and conversely the full moon keeps me pleasantly aroused and energetic.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of arouse ( def ).

Other Words From

• un·a·roused adjective
• well-a·roused adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aroused¹

arouse ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

Davis’ extensive criminal record, and the leniency he had received over the decades, aroused outrage.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a public health success, but it aroused a tremendous local backlash.

From Salon

For example, it has been well documented that a chimpanzee's heart rate changes under psychological stress, when emotionally aroused by images, or when encountering familiar humans.

From Science Daily

"Arousal is reflected in the pupil diameter of mammals, with larger pupils indicating an aroused state," explains the neurobiologist.

From Science Daily

A Palestinian aroused suspicions and an Israeli soldier killed him.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• anxious
• apprehensive
• discouraged
• distressed
• fearful
• frightened
• horrified
• intimidated
• nervous
• perplexed
• perturbed
• scared
• shocked
• spooked
• startled
• timid