arousal Definition

arouse
verb aroused, arousing

1. To cause or produce (an emotion, reaction, sexual desire or response, etc).

Thesaurus: stimulate, excite, stir up, rouse, move, prompt, goad, spark, incite, instigate, spur, whip up, agitate.
2. To cause to become awake or active.

Thesaurus: wake up, waken, awaken, rouse, startle.

Derivative: arousal
noun

Etymology: 16c: a³ 2 + rouse.