Definition of arise
1a : to begin to occur or to exist : to come into being or to attention
Problems arise when people try to avoid responsibility. A conflict arose because of a misunderstanding. Questions have arisen concerning the company's financial records. He can defend himself should the need arise. [=if it becomes necessary to do so]
b : to originate from a source
arteries that arise from the aorta a river that arises from two main sources
2 : to get up or stand up : rise He arose from his chair. especially : to get up from sleep or after lying down He arose (from bed) refreshed after a good night's sleep.
3 : to move upward : ascend A mist arose from the valley.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
- Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizName that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your h...
Take the quizTrue or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quizSCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share arise
Time Traveler for arise
The first known use of arise was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century