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

Explanation

An awakening is the act of waking up from sleep. It can also refer to other forms of new or sudden consciousness. When you've been asleep, whether at night or during a nap, you wake up and regain consciousness. This is known as an awakening. However, this word is often used for more dramatic things than getting out of bed. Having a religious epiphany is an awakening. Deciding to get married could be considered an awakening. Any time you realize or accept something important and life-changing, it can be called an awakening, because it's almost like you were asleep before.

Example Sentences

Sara Pennypacker’s novel for young readers tells the story of a boy awakening to courage in Nazi-occupied France.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Natural disasters are inevitable, but often, the most devastating slumber for decades, sometimes centuries, only awakening when provoked.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

Symptoms of nocturnal seizures can include signs of sudden awakening with confusion, thrashing, violent movements, screaming, or waking up on the floor.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

It was a rude awakening for three-time winners Inter, whose stature and budget dwarf that of the Norwegians and who are heavy favourites to win Serie A this season.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

“To Weldon I owe the chief awakening of my life,” he recalled, “but this is the personal, private obligation of my own soul.”

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee