arouses; aroused; arousing
1
: to cause (an emotional or mental state)
He tried to sneak past without arousing suspicion. [=without causing people to become suspicious]
Their comments aroused our anger/curiosity. [=their comments made us angry/curious]
The report aroused a great deal of public interest/debate.
She aroused [=inspired] great loyalty in her friends and extreme hatred in her enemies.
2
: to excite (someone) sexually
The husky sound of her voice could always arouse him.
3
a
: to wake (someone) from sleep
She was sleeping so soundly that we had difficulty arousing her. [=(more commonly) waking her up]
I was aroused [=roused, awakened] from a deep sleep by a loud noise outside my window.
b
: to cause (someone) to become active, ready, or upset
Their proposal is certain to arouse the opposition.
They get aroused [=(more commonly) worked up] over the slightest offense.
Cite this Entry
“Arouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/arouse. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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