excited state /eksī″tid/ [L, excitare, to rouse, status] , 1. (in chemistry and physics) an energy level of a system that is higher than the ground state. The system decays to the ground state and emits the energy difference, usually in the form of photons. 2. (in psychology) a higher state of consciousness; hyperalertness; a state in which thinking and behavior may be frenzied or agitated.
