turn-on

Source of excitement

A turn-on is something that arouses sexual interest or excitement: Confidence is a major turn-on for me.

More broadly, it's anything that sparks enthusiasm or engagement: The whole experience was a real turn-on.

The hyphenated noun derives from the phrasal verb "turn on," meaning to excite or stimulate.

arousal

attraction

Pull toward something

allureAttractive, tempting quality
seductionEnticing someone romantically
enticementSomething that attracts

appeal · magnetism · chemistry · flirtation · lust · desire · temptation · fantasy · foreplay · sensuality

activation

switch

Circuit-breaking toggle device

buttonDisc through a hole
powerEnergy transfer rate
igniteStart burning something

start · engage · initiate · trigger · activate · enable · boot · launch · lever · spark

stimulus

catalyst

Agent enabling change

sparkTiny fiery particle
incentiveReward encouraging action
motivationImpetus toward a goal

provocation · prompt · trigger · spur · inspiration · inducement · encouragement · impetus · thrill · rush

Categories

attractionattraction, chemistry, allure, draw, fascination
eroticaerotic, erotic literature, eroticism, erotica, sensuality
desireyearn, yearning, crave, craving, lust
activationactivate, triggers, firing, commence, initiate

Opposites

sexual/romantic attraction

turn-onturn-off

Something that repulses

mood killer · repulsion · buzzkill · disgust · ick

general appeal/interest

turn-onturn-off

Something that repulses

deterrent · discouragement · dislike · repulsion · hate

activation/stimulation

turn-onsedative

Drug promoting calm

depressant · downer · tranquilizer · numbing agent · anesthetic

Family

turnout, turnoff

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG-13