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to stir to action or strong response; excite:
to arouse a crowd; to arouse suspicion.
to stimulate sexually.
to awaken; wake up:
The footsteps aroused the dog.
to awake or become aroused:
At dawn the farmers began to arouse.
Contemporary Examples

The downside of a writer “arousing love” is literary groupies.
Still Cool Camus Allen Barra January 1, 2010

Afterward, the company became timid and slow, almost afraid to compete for fear of arousing more scrutiny.
Google Faces Antitrust Subpoena Dan Lyons June 22, 2011

Scratch that: these are actually more cringe-worthy than arousing.
’50 Shades of Grey’ Author E.L. James to Publish Writing Advice Guide Molly Taylor March 10, 2013

The elusiveness at Obama’s core, which once served him so well, has turned back on itself, arousing suspicions.
The Inescapable President Eric Dezenhall September 17, 2009

According to the dictionary, it is “arousing a sympathetic response.”
Saudi Arabia’s Religious Police Outlaw ‘Tempting Eyes’ David Keyes November 18, 2011

Historical Examples

Denonville had succeeded in arousing the French government to the importance of proceeding vigorously against the Iroquois.
Count Frontenac William Dawson LeSueur

“That man is only arousing the people and accomplishing no good,” said Lawrence.
Rodney, the Ranger John V. Lane

Do you know, Major, for a stranger you are arousing extraordinary curiosity?
The Colonel of the Red Huzzars John Reed Scott

The picture of it shot into his eyes, arousing a hate in his thought.
Erik Dorn Ben Hecht

During our ride the night before, Sponsilier and I had discussed the possibility of arousing the authorities at Glendive.
The Outlet Andy Adams

verb
(transitive) to evoke or elicit (a reaction, emotion, or response); stimulate
to awaken from sleep
v.

1590s, “awaken” (transitive), from a- (1) “on” + rouse. Related: Aroused; arousing.