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Definitions

arousal

[uh-rou-zuhl] / əˈraʊ zəl /
NOUN
awakening
Synonyms
STRONG
activation animating arising awaking birth enlivening incitement kindling provocation rebirth renewal revival rousing stimulation waking
WEAK
stirring up vivication waking up
Antonyms
STRONG
destruction suppression
WEAK
sleep sleeping
NOUN
eroticism
Synonyms
STRONG
libido lust stimulation titillation
NOUN
erotism
Synonyms
STRONG
amativeness amorousness concupiscence eroticism lust lustfulness passion prurience pruriency titillation
WEAK
libidinousness
NOUN
inspiration
Synonyms
STRONGEST
encouragement enthusiasm genius incentive influence insight motivation revelation vision
STRONG
afflatus animus approach awakening brainchild brainstorm creativity elevation exaltation fancy flash hunch illumination impulse motive muse notion rumble spark spur stimulation thought whim
WEAK
deep think inflatus
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discouragement
STRONG
depression hindrance reality truth
NOUN
titillation
Synonyms
STRONG
excitement exhilaration stimulation thrill
Antonyms
STRONG
calm depression discouragement

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Growth hormone not only helps you build your muscle and bones and reduce your fat tissue, but may also have cognitive benefits, promoting your overall arousal level when you wake up," Ding said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

They found that ACA and ORB exerted specific and opposing effects on visual encoding depending on the mouse's movement and level of arousal.

From Science Daily • Nov. 30, 2025

ACA activity also tracked closely with arousal level, while ORB responded only when arousal reached a high threshold.

From Science Daily • Nov. 30, 2025

As a therapist, I know that for children with autism, water offers resistance, pressure and pleasant sensory arousal.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

Are extreme arousal and mind-blindness inevitable under conditions of stress?

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell