Arousal

n.

1.

The act of arousing, or the state of being aroused. Whatever has associated itself with the arousal and activity of our better nature. - Hare.

Noun	1.	arousal - the act of arousing; "the purpose of art is the arousal of emotions" Synonyms: rousing
	2.	arousal - a state of heightened physiological activity
	3.	arousal - awakening from sleep
	4.	arousal - mutual sexual stimulation prior to sexual intercourse Synonyms: foreplay, stimulation

a high, aggravation, agitation, animation, arousing, awakening, bringing out, calling forth, drawing out, eduction, electrification, emotion, evocation, exacerbation, exasperation, excitation, excitedness, excitement, exhilaration, firing, fomentation, galvanization, incitation, incitement, inflammation, infuriation, instigation, irritation, lathering up, manic state, pep rally, pep talk, perturbation, provocation, rabble-rousing, reveille, rousing, rude awakening, steaming up, stimulation, stimulus, stirring, stirring up, stirring-up, whipping up, working up