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aroused
/əˈraʊzd/
sexually excited
The movie left him physically aroused.
The movie caused him to feel sexually excited.
formal
sexually excited or stimulated
Researchers measured physiological responses in participants who reported feeling sexually aroused.
Researchers observed bodily reactions in people who said they felt sexually excited.
Often used in clinical or academic contexts to describe physiological or psychological states.
formal
awakened or activated (emotionally or intellectually)
The speech aroused strong emotions in the audience.
The speech stirred intense feelings in the listeners.
Can describe any strong emotional or mental response, not limited to sexual contexts.
literary
stirred to action or attention
The scent of rain aroused memories of her childhood.
The smell of rain triggered vivid recollections of her past.
Common in poetic or narrative writing to describe mental or emotional awakening.
Collocations
sexually arousedfeeling sexual excitementphysically arousedhaving a bodily response to stimulationemotionally arousedfeeling strong emotions
Pro Tip
Avoid ambiguity
In everyday conversation, use 'excited' or 'stirred' instead of 'aroused' to prevent unintended sexual connotations unless the topic is explicitly about sexual arousal.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Always consider the context when using 'aroused.' In medical or psychological writing, it is appropriate, but in general speech, it may sound overly formal or inappropriate.
Word Origin
From Middle English *arousen*, from Old French *arouser* (to excite), derived from *rouser* (to rouse), from Frankish *rausijan* (to incite), of Proto-Germanic origin (*rausijaną*). Related to English *rouse*.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in formal or technical contexts. In casual speech, 'turned on' is more common for sexual arousal, while 'excited' or 'stirred' may replace it in other contexts. Avoid using 'aroused' in contexts where it might be misinterpreted as sexual unless the context is clear.
Word Breakdown
a-
prefix indicating intensification
prefix-rouse
to excite or stir up
root-ed
past participle suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary