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

"Participation in the nationalist movement was not only a catalyst for the political awakening of Indian women," Ms Bhatnagar says.

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The Eddie Murphy vehicle chronicles a hotshot advertising executive’s rude awakening after a merger leaves him with a new boss.

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The Incorrigible children hugged the fortune-teller and danced in and out of her countless billowing scarves as they caught the puffs of steam from the awakening locomotive like so many wind-filled sails.

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If the change is unpleasant, it is “a rude awakening.”

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Jocelyn Sanchez had “an awakening” when she turned 30 last year.

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