Definition

Arousal generally refers to the experience of increased physiological (inside-the-body) activity. This can include an increased (faster) heart rate, perspiration, and rapid breathing. In some cases, the term arousal is used to specifically refer to sexual feelings (and the resulting bodily changes). In essence, arousal is the bodily sensation of feeling energized. A person experiencing high arousal is active, animated, and/or alert, while a person who experiences low arousal is slow, sluggish, and/or sleepy.

Although many emotions (such as love and anger) include high arousal, it is possible to have arousal more or less by itself. Such a state is created by getting a dose of adrenaline (such as from an injection). Many people get this effect from a strong dose of caffeine. Being nervous, as ...