woke

[ wohk ]

verb

1. a simple past tense of wake ¹.

adjective

1. having or marked by an active awareness of systemic injustices and prejudices, especially those involving the treatment of ethnic, racial, or sexual minorities: He took one African American history class and now he thinks he’s woke.

   In light of incidents of police brutality, it’s important to stay woke.

   He took one African American history class and now he thinks he’s woke.

   This generation of kids is trying to make woke choices in life.

2. Disparaging. as used by political opponents, of or relating to a liberal progressive orthodoxy.
3. Slang. aware of the facts, true situation, etc. (sometimes used facetiously):

   Stay woke—always read a contract before you sign it, and know your rights.

4. awake:

   I had to drink lots of coffee this morning to stay woke.

woke

/ wəʊk /

verb

1. a past tense of wake 1

Other Words From

• un·woke adjective
• woke·ism wok·ism noun
• woke·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of woke¹

First recorded before 900 as past tense woke ( fordef 1 ); 1960–65 woke ( fordefs 2, 4 ), popularized by the Black civil rights movement and later by Black Lives Matter

Example Sentences

The “Woke” star said he imagines his character in “Saturday Night” asking himself the same question a half-century ago, on the night “SNL” debuted.

From Los Angeles Times

“What the F is Woke? lol Like I give a F**k,” Ice-T, set to reprise his role in an upcoming 26th season of the show, wrote in response, prompting praise from fans.

From Salon

“New Girl” was a bit more comical and whimsical, and “Woke,” and some of the movies.

From Salon

“Barbershop,” “Game Night,” “Woke” ... all these things are really, really silly.

From Los Angeles Times

“Woke up the doctors and we tested and unfortunately it came up that I was positive for COVID.”

From Salon

Related Words

• enlightened
• multiculturally sensitive