aroused

[uh-rouzd]

adjective

1. stirred up to strong response.

   The Legislature must answer for its actions to an informed and highly aroused public.

2. showing or feeling sexual excitement.

   "I must ask you that question more often, husband," she says, an aroused glow in her eyes.

3. awake and alert.

   In this long arctic winter the new moon makes me lethargic, and conversely the full moon keeps me pleasantly aroused and energetic.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of arouse.

Other Word Forms

• unaroused adjective
• well-aroused adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aroused¹

arouse ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Over the years, those communities have been capable of shaping public policy when aroused.

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But this aroused suspicion, with Imrie said later: "Nick selflessly came to help me in my grave before even looking for his shield. And I'm thinking, he's absolutely adorable or he is up to something."

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The novels of Dame Jilly Cooper, who has died at the age of 88, are joyous descriptions of a fantasy world where monied men cast smouldering glances and women are instantly aroused.

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However, the judge said he posed a "significant risk of reoffending" and that he became "visibly aroused" by asking the girl to kiss another child.

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The following day, he attempted to kiss the girl, placed his hand on her thigh and became "visibly aroused" when asking her to kiss her friend.

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Related Words

• anxious 
• apprehensive 
• discouraged 
• distressed 
• fearful 
• frightened 
• horrified 
• intimidated 
• nervous 
• perplexed 
• perturbed 
• scared 
• shocked www.thesaurus.com
• spooked www.thesaurus.com
• startled 
• timid