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

If he’s correct, the current crude awakening for stocks may be short-lived.

From Barron's

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

From BBC

Americans who thought spring break would offer rest and relaxation after a tough winter may be in for a rude awakening.

From MarketWatch

But it was on one of these “trapping” runs that I got my third lesson, or awakening.

From Literature

"There has been a political awakening among younger people," she added, saying people were "very curious" about the parties, policies and candidates.

From Barron's