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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.

Stimulant medications affect arousal and reward, not attention networks.

From Science Daily • Dec. 29, 2025

According to Newen, basic arousal was the first to emerge in evolutionary history.

From Science Daily • Dec. 15, 2025

According to Ährlund-Richter, ACA may help the brain focus on potentially meaningful visual details as arousal rises, while ORB may act to reduce attention to distracting or overly strong stimuli.

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

He clearly played basketball in that same optimal range of arousal in which Ron Avery performed.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell