arousal

Meanings

Plural: arousals

Noun

• the act of arousing
  • "the purpose of art is the arousal of emotions"
• a state of heightened physiological activity
• awakening from sleep
• mutual sexual fondling prior to sexual intercourse
• 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

alertness, foreplay, horniness, rousing, stimulation, wakefulness