awakening

[uh-wey-kuh-ning]

adjective

1. rousing; quickening.

   an awakening interest in ballet.

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

/ əˈweɪkənɪŋ, əˈweɪknɪŋ /

noun

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

   a picture of an emotional awakening

Other Word Forms

• awakeningly adverb
• reawakening noun
• unawakening adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of awakening¹

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

Example Sentences

A press release describes the new record as a “powerful journey of resilience and awakening, where the pursuit of freedom meets forces that seek to control and silence.”

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Most of all, though, he sees the protest wave as "an awakening" of Italy's left-wing forces.

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While the event had its discordant notes, the overall theme was akin to a religious revival – reminiscent of Billy Graham's tent crusades of the 1930 and 1940s or the "great awakenings" of the 19th Century.

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This is a political awakening for her generation.

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It's clear part of that future will include a political awakening for some on campus.

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