arouser

Arouser is a noun derived from arouse, used to denote something that provokes arousal in a person or organism. It can refer to a stimulus that triggers emotional or physiological activation, such as an emotionally provocative topic, a physical stimulus, or a situational cue. In everyday language, arouser is uncommon; more often speakers use stimulus, provocation, or arousing stimulus. It can also refer to a person who provokes arousal—sexually or emotionally—though this usage can be informal or provocative.

In psychology and physiology, arousal describes a state of heightened arousal expressed in increased heart rate, alertness, or sexual excitement. An arouser, in this sense, is any factor that initiates such a state, which may be sensory (lights, sounds), cognitive (memories, thoughts), or interpersonal (interaction with a partner). The term is not a clinical diagnosis; researchers typically describe the specific stimulus rather than labeling it as an arouser. In sexual contexts, arouser can refer to a person, object, or situation that elicits sexual arousal.

Etymology: arouser is formed from the verb arouse plus the agent noun suffix -er.