AROUSAL

arousal, rousing

(noun) the act of arousing; “the purpose of art is the arousal of emotions”

foreplay, arousal, stimulation

(noun) mutual sexual fondling prior to sexual intercourse

arousal

(noun) awakening from sleep

arousal

(noun) a state of heightened physiological activity

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

arousal (plural arousals)

The act of arousing or the state of being aroused.

Sexual arousal.

A physiological and psychological state of being awake or reactive to stimuli, including elevated heart rate and blood pressure and a condition of sensory alertness, mobility and readiness to respond.

Arousal from sleep or hibernation.

Synonyms

• (sexual arousal): horniness

• (state of being reactive to stimuli): alertness

• (arousal from sleep): wakefulness

Source: Wiktionary

A*rous"al, n.

Definition: The act of arousing, or the state of being aroused. Whatever has associated itself with the arousal and activity of our better nature. Hare.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition