kiihottunut

Kiihottunut is a Finnish adjective describing a state of arousal or heightened excitement. It can refer to sexual arousal as well as to strong emotional or anticipatory states in non-sexual contexts. In everyday language the term is commonly used to describe someone who is energized, eager, or emotionally stirred by a person, event, or discussion. In erotic or literary contexts it more specifically denotes sexual arousal, but even there it is not a graphic term.

Origin and forms: Kiihottunut is derived from kiihottaa, meaning to excite or arouse. The participle kiihottunut literally means “having been aroused” or “excited.” Related words include kiihottuminen (arousal, excitation) and kiihottuva (arousing).

Usage notes: The degree of formality is relatively neutral; the term can be used in medical, psychological, or descriptive writing as well as in everyday speech. It can describe both people and phenomena. Not inherently vulgar, but in delicate contexts one might opt for milder expressions such as innostunut or kiihtynyt; kiihottuva or kiihottava may be used for more overt arousal.

Example sentences: Hän vaikutti kiihottuneelta keskustelun jälkeen. Tila voi muuttua kiihottuneeksi, kun tilanne muuttuu odottavaksi. Synonyms and related terms include kiihkeä (ardent), innostunut (enthusiastic), and kiihottava (arousing).