Meaning & use
arousal
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A state of heightened physical or mental alertness, energy, or responsiveness.
See it in a sentence
The loud alarm caused an immediate physiological arousal, jolting him awake.
Researchers measured the participants' arousal levels while they watched the suspenseful film.
A note on using this word
Used broadly in psychology and physiology to mean alertness or activation; context determines whether it refers to emotional, mental, or physical states.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
calmrelaxation
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