Arouses

EXCITES

It might describe how a thrilling movie or unexpected surprise makes someone feel.

"Arouses" is a straightforward definition clue pointing to a word that means to stir up or stimulate. The answer "EXCITES" fits perfectly because it shares the same meaning—both words describe causing a feeling of enthusiasm or arousal. There’s no hidden wordplay here; it’s a direct synonym match often used in crosswords to test vocabulary.