Definition

Noun: 1. The state of physiological and psychological excitement that precedes and accompanies sexual activity: This refers to the physical and mental changes that occur when a person becomes sexually interested or stimulated, preparing the body for sexual behavior. It involves responses such as increased heart rate, blood flow, and feelings of desire.

Usage

The term "sexual arousal" is used to describe the preparatory state for sexual behavior. It is a clinical, psychological, and medical term. - It is commonly used in academic, therapeutic, and healthcare contexts. - It can describe both the internal feeling and the observable physiological state.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Certain scents can trigger sexual arousal in some individuals.
  • The study measured the participants' level of sexual arousal in response to different stimuli.
  • A lack of sexual arousal can be a symptom of an underlying health issue.

Advanced Usage

• "To experience sexual arousal": To feel the physical and psychological sensations associated with sexual excitement.
  • Many factors, including stress, can affect a person's ability to experience sexual arousal.
• In a technical or legal context, it may be discussed in relation to behavior or intent.
  • The evidence suggested the act was premeditated and involved sexual arousal.

Variants and Related Words

• Arousal (noun): A more general term for a state of excitement or alertness, which can be sexual, physical, or emotional. In context, it often implies sexual arousal.
  • The film was designed to create arousal.
• Sexually aroused (adjective phrase): Describing the state of being in sexual arousal.
  • He felt sexually aroused.

Synonyms

• Libidinal excitement: A more formal synonym focusing on the drive (libido) aspect.
• Sexual excitement: A more common, less clinical term with a similar meaning.
• Tumescence: A technical term often referring specifically to the physical aspect of arousal, especially penile or clitoral erection.

Related Phrases

• Sexual desire: While closely related, this refers more to the psychological interest or for sexual activity, which often leads to or accompanies sexual arousal.
  • Sexual desire is the interest, while sexual arousal is the physical and mental excitement.
• Foreplay: Activities that are often used to stimulate sexual arousal.

Noun

1. the arousal of sexual desires in preparation for sexual behavior