How to Say "to arouse" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to arouse” is “despertar” — use 'despertar' when you want to talk about awakening or stirring feelings, emotions, or passions in someone.
despertar
des-per-TARdes.peɾˈtaɾ
Examples
La noticia despertó su curiosidad.
The news aroused her curiosity.
La música despertó una vieja nostalgia en ella.
The music awoke an old nostalgia in her.
Su discurso despertó gran controversia en la prensa.
His speech sparked great controversy in the press.
excitar
ek-see-TAReksiˈtaɾ
Examples
El libro lo excitó mucho.
The book aroused him a lot.
Se siente muy excitado cuando está con ella.
He feels very aroused when he is with her.
Esa ropa parece excitar a su pareja.
Those clothes seem to turn on his partner.
Used as a Reflexive
Often used with 'se' (excitante) to say someone 'gets' aroused: 'Se excita fácilmente'.
Confusing Feelings vs. Sexual Arousal
Related Translations
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