arousal

noun

arous·​al ə-ˈrau̇-zəl 

plural arousals

1

: the act of arousing someone or something

arousal from sleep

This belated arousal of the hunting instinct seemed to make almost another man of him.

—Jack London

: the state of being aroused

His work with animals had implicated adrenaline and noradrenaline in emotional arousal and memory.

—Daniel Goleman

2

: a state of physiological and psychological excitation caused by sexual contact or other erotic stimulation

Studies show 60% of patients taking the drugs experience some form of sexual dysfunction, ranging from loss of desire to problems with arousal and an inability to reach orgasm.

—Tara Parker-Pope

Examples of arousal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Foam or silicone earplugs reduce noise 20 to 30 decibels, which is enough to bring 40 to 60 dB snoring below the arousal threshold, according to an article for Superpower. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

Foam or silicone earplugs cut noise by 20 to 30 decibels, enough to bring 40 to 60 dB snoring below the arousal threshold, according to Superpower. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Nicotine acts on many of the same nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that normally respond to acetylcholine, temporarily increasing alertness, attention and arousal. — Hasmeena Kathuria, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

As arousal rises, the brain becomes temporarily more vigilant and focused. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

arouse + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing arousal

• hyper-arousal

Rhymes for arousal

• espousal
• spousal

Medical Definition

arousal

noun

arous·​al ə-ˈrau̇-zəl 

1

a

: the act of arousing

arousal from sleep

b

: the state of being aroused

specifically : responsiveness to stimuli

… cells of the locus coeruleus, a brain center involved in maintaining attention and arousal …

—Science

2

: a state of physiological and psychological excitation caused by sexual contact or other erotic stimulation

Studies show 60% of patients taking the drugs experience some form of sexual dysfunction, ranging from loss of desire to problems with arousal …

—Tara Parker-Pope, The Wall Street Journal