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 Words From

• a·waken·ing·ly adverb
• rea·waken·ing noun
• una·waken·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of awakening¹

First recorded in 1585–95; awaken + -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

As I wrote in the original "cat lady" column, many women are slowly awakening to the fact that they hold more cards in their romantic hands than they've been previously allowed to see.

From Salon

Giving evidence on Thursday, Mr Yasharahyalah told Coventry Crown Court he had a spiritual awakening while studying in 2007.

From BBC

The latter group is going to be in for a painful, literally, awakening when and if Trump and his regime take power.

From Salon

The celebrations so far have featured the return of the Awakening the Walled City trail within Derry city centre from Monday until Wednesday.

From BBC

But many will be in for a rude awakening when they wake up on Nov. 6.

From Slate