arouse

arouse

verb \ə-ˈrau̇z\

arousedarous·ing

Definition of AROUSE

transitive verb

1

: to awaken from sleep

2

: to rouse or stimulate to action or to physiological readiness for activity : excite <the book aroused debate>

intransitive verb

: to awake from sleep : stir

— arous·al \ə-ˈrau̇-zəl\ noun

Examples of AROUSE

1. The report aroused a great deal of public interest.
2. The husky sound of her voice could always arouse him.
3. Their proposal is certain to arouse the opposition.

Origin of AROUSE

a- (as in arise) + rouse

First Known Use: 1593

Related to AROUSE

Synonyms: wake, awake, awaken, knock up [British], rouse, waken

Antonyms: lull

Related Words: roust, rout; raise, revive; reawaken, rewake; agitate, bestir, disturb, excite, provoke, stimulate, stir

Near Antonyms: hypnotize, mesmerize

see all synonyms and antonyms

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