Definition

A state of increased psychological and physiological tension, often associated with anxiety or stress, where a person may feel overly alert or reactive to stimuli.

Example

After the traumatic event, she experienced hyperarousal, making it difficult for her to relax or sleep.

Conversation

Have you ever felt that intense feeling of hyperarousal when you're really stressed?

Yeah, it can be overwhelming and hard to focus.

I read that it's a common response to anxiety and can affect sleep too.

Definitely! It's important to find ways to calm down when that happens.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hyperarousal is formed from "hyper-" (meaning over or excessive) and "arousal" (from Latin "arousal" meaning to awaken or stimulate). The term describes a state of excessive alertness or heightened physiological response, often associated with stress or anxiety.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hyper-' meaning 'excessive' and 'arousal' meaning 'to awaken' — together, they describe a state of being excessively awake or alert.

Visually Confused Words