Arousal
Also known as turned ongetting arousedsexual arousal
Arousal is the body and mind's response to sexual stimulation or desire — a build-up of excitement that varies naturally from person to person and day to day.
The gist
Arousal is the state of being sexually excited, involving both physical changes and mental engagement. It ebbs and flows and is affected by mood, stress, hormones, and context. There's no single 'right' way or speed for it to arrive — understanding your own and a partner's patterns is part of a healthy intimate life.
Related
Foreplay
Foreplay is the intimate build-up — kissing, touch, teasing, words — that increases arousal and connection before or alongside other activity.
Desire (libido)
Desire, or libido, is the wish for sexual connection — a natural drive that fluctuates over time and differs widely between healthy people.
Responsive desire
Responsive desire is arousal that grows in response to intimacy or connection rather than appearing beforehand — a common and completely healthy pattern.