Excitement n.
Etymology: [Cf. OF. excitement, escitement.]
1. The act of exciting, or the state of being roused into action, or of having increased action; impulsion; agitation; as, an excitement of the people.
2. That which excites or rouses; that which moves, stirs, or induces action; a motive. The cares and excitements of a season of transition and struggle. Talfowrd.
3. (Physiol.)
A state of aroused or increased vital activity in an organism, or any of its organs or tissues.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for excitement; he lists it under enthusiasm.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.