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rouse

verb \ ˈrau̇z \

Definition of rouse

roused; rousing
transitive verb
1 archaic : to cause to break from cover
2 a : to stir up : excite
  • was roused to fury
b : to arouse from or as if from sleep or repose : awaken
intransitive verb
1 : to become aroused : awaken
2 : to become stirred
—

rousement

play \ˈrau̇z-mənt\ noun
—

rouser

noun

See rouse defined for English-language learners

See rouse defined for kids

Examples of rouse in a Sentence

  1. I've been unable to rouse her.

  2. I was so tired I could barely rouse myself to prepare dinner.

  3. These animals are dangerous when roused.

  4. She was roused to anger by their indifference.

Origin and Etymology of rouse

Middle English, to shake the feathers

rouse Synonyms

Synonyms

arouse, awake, awaken, wake, waken;

Antonyms

lull;

Near Antonyms

hypnotize, mesmerize;

Related Words

roust, rout;

raise, revive;

reawaken, rewake;

agitate, bestir, disturb, excite, provoke, stimulate, stir;

2

rouse

noun

Definition of rouse

: an act or instance of rousing; especially : an excited stir

First Known Use of rouse

1764

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler
3

rouse

noun

Definition of rouse

1 obsolete : drink, toast
2 archaic : carousal

Origin and Etymology of rouse

alteration (from misdivision of to drink carouse) of carouse

ROUSE Defined for English Language Learners

rouse

verb

Definition of rouse for English Language Learners

  • : to wake (someone) from sleep

  • : to cause (someone who is tired or not interested) to become active

  • : to cause (an emotional response) in someone

ROUSE Defined for Kids

rouse

verb \ ˈrau̇z \

Definition of rouse for Students

roused; rousing
1 : 1awake 1
  • Lucy was such a light sleeper that stepping on a creaky floorboard … could easily rouse her.
  • —Kevin Henkes, Olive's Ocean
2 : to stir up : excite
  • The idea roused great interest.

Learn More about rouse

  1. See words that rhyme with rouse Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rouse Spanish Central: Translation of rouse Nglish: Translation of rouse for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of rouse for Arabic speakers

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