arouse

[uh-rouz]

verb (used with object)

aroused, arousing 

1. to stir to action or strong response; excite.

   to arouse a crowd;

   to arouse suspicion.

   Synonyms: fire, kindle, stimulate, instigate, provoke, incite, inspire, inspirit, animate
   Antonyms: calm

2. to stimulate sexually.

3. to awaken; wake up.

   The footsteps aroused the dog.

verb (used without object)

aroused, arousing 

1. to awake or become aroused.

   At dawn the farmers began to arouse.

arouse

/ əˈraʊz /

verb

1. (tr) to evoke or elicit (a reaction, emotion, or response); stimulate

2. to awaken from sleep

Other Word Forms

• arousability noun
• arousable adjective
• arousal noun
• arouser noun
• rearouse verb
• unarousable adjective
• unarousing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arouse¹

First recorded in 1585–95; a- ³ + rouse ¹, modeled on arise

Example Sentences

Over the years, those communities have been capable of shaping public policy when aroused.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The jewels will be recut and resold in smaller pieces, though perhaps with some delay so as not to arouse suspicion.

Read more on MarketWatch

They may arouse the ire of politicians and the public, but they also do much that is useful.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But this aroused suspicion, with Imrie said later: "Nick selflessly came to help me in my grave before even looking for his shield. And I'm thinking, he's absolutely adorable or he is up to something."

Read more on BBC

Earlier in its voyage, the vessel passed by Denmark at around the time of the drone incursions, which began late on Sept. 22, arousing the suspicion of investigators, a French official said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• awaken 
• foment 
• incite 
• inflame 
• instigate 
• kindle 
• provoke 
• rouse 
• spark 
• spur 
• stimulate 
• stir 
• whip up