Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Arousal \A*rous"al\, n.
   The act of arousing, or the state of being aroused.

         Whatever has associated itself with the arousal and
         activity of our better nature.           --Hare.

Source : WordNet®

arousal
     n 1: the act of arousing; "the purpose of art is the arousal of
          emotions" [syn: {rousing}]
     2: a state of heightened physiological activity
     3: awakening from sleep
     4: mutual sexual stimulation prior to sexual intercourse [syn:
        {foreplay}, {stimulation}]