arouse

[ uh-rouz ]

verb (used with object)

, a·roused, a·rous·ing.

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)

, a·roused, a·rous·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• aˈrousal, noun
• aˈrouser, noun

Other Words From

• a·rous·a·bil·i·ty [uh, -rou-z, uh, -, bil, -i-tee] noun
• a·rous·a·ble adjective
• a·rous·al [uh, -, rou, -z, uh, l], noun
• a·rous·er noun
• re·a·rouse verb rearoused rearousing
• un·a·rous·a·ble adjective
• un·a·rous·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arouse¹

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

Example Sentences

Mr Mukhopadhyay’s suspicions aroused when a caller asked him why he hadn't redeemed his mutual funds - not a question a police officer would usually ask on the phone.

From BBC

Otherwise, he’s brazenly unconcerned about anything that doesn’t arouse that or the demon in his pants, which has made his character’s developmental journey, in Berry’s view, relatively limited.

From Salon

His political takes are even more provocative, meant to arouse, anger and annoy but also to provoke push-back, stirring debate and discussion.

From Los Angeles Times

Davis’ extensive criminal record, and the leniency he had received over the decades, aroused outrage.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Hastings said her peculiar nature meant she could say things without arousing much suspicion.

From BBC

Related Words

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