Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Arousal /ẽr-ouz'-əl/ · A·rous·al · IPA /əˈɹaʊzəl/ 01 n. The act of arousing, or the state of being aroused. 1. The act of arousing, or the state of being aroused. “Whatever has associated itself with the arousal and activity of our better nature.” — Hare.