awakening

American  

[uh-wey-kuh-ning] / əˈweɪ kə nɪŋ /

adjective

1. rousing; quickening.

   an awakening interest in ballet.

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noun

1. the act of awaking from sleep.

2. a revival of interest or attention.

3. a recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of something.

   a rude awakening to the disagreeable facts.

4. a renewal of interest in religion, especially in a community; a revival.

awakening British  

/ əˈweɪkənɪŋ, əˈweɪknɪŋ /

noun

1. the start of a feeling or awareness in a person

   a picture of an emotional awakening

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Other Word Forms

• awakeningly adverb
• reawakening noun
• unawakening adjective

Etymology

Origin of awakening

First recorded in 1585–95; awaken + -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Steve told his son it was a Lead Belly song; his son didn’t believe him, they listened to Lead Belly together, and it ended up being a key moment of Justin’s musical awakening.

From Salon

But investors who are hoping they’ll benefit from a similar flight to safety next year could be in for a rude awakening.

From Barron's

Many in the UK who unwrapped a new drone this Christmas may face a rude awakening next week, when they will have to take a theory test before being allowed to fly outdoors.

From BBC

But to Dave Roberts, it led to a particularly profound personal awakening, helping one of the most successful managers in MLB history reconnect with familial roots in a way that goes far beyond baseball.

From Los Angeles Times

Why it’s vital: Unsettling but gorgeously realized, the series introduces a disquieting dread that encapsulates the fear of being closeted in a small community while acknowledging the bittersweet yearning that comes with an awakening youth.

From Salon