aroused

Aroused is an adjective used to describe a state of heightened physiological or psychological activity in response to stimuli. It is most commonly associated with sexual arousal, but the term also applies to general states of alertness, emotion, or readiness to act. In psychology and physiology, arousal refers to the activation of the autonomic nervous system and related hormonal systems, which prepare the body for action.

In humans, arousal typically involves increased heart rate, faster breathing, pupil dilation, and skin conductance. Sexual arousal specifically includes vascular changes in genital tissues, lubrication in females, and erection in males, driven by sensory cues, cognitive appraisal, and hormonal signals. The subjective experience of arousal varies widely and is influenced by context, mood, past experiences, attraction, and cultural norms.

The concept is studied in theories of motivation and performance. Arousal theory posits that performance is a function of arousal, with optimal levels varying by task difficulty (as summarized in the Yerkes-Dodson law). Arousal can also reflect emotional states such as excitement, fear, or anger, and is closely linked to attention and readiness to respond.

Clinically, arousal can be dysregulated. Hyperarousal refers to excessive sympathetic activation seen in anxiety, PTSD, or insomnia; hypoarousal refers to diminished responsiveness seen in some mood disorders. Assessment may combine self-report with physiological measures such as heart rate, skin conductance, or hormonal indicators. In animals, arousal denotes responsiveness to environmental stimuli and is modulated by neurological and endocrine systems.