'arousal' definitions:

Definition of 'arousal'

From: WordNet
noun
The act of arousing; "the purpose of art is the arousal of emotions" [syn: arousal, rousing]
noun
A state of heightened physiological activity
noun
Awakening from sleep
noun
Mutual sexual fondling prior to sexual intercourse [syn: foreplay, arousal, stimulation]

Synonyms of 'arousal'

From: Moby Thesaurus