arouse

American  

[uh-rouz] / əˈraʊz /

verb (used with object)

aroused, arousing

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.

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verb (used without object)

aroused, arousing

1. to awake or become aroused.

   At dawn the farmers began to arouse.

arouse British  

/ əˈraʊz /

verb

1. (tr) to evoke or elicit (a reaction, emotion, or response); stimulate

2. to awaken from sleep

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Other Word Forms

• arousability noun
• arousable adjective
• arousal noun
• arouser noun
• rearouse verb
• unarousable adjective
• unarousing adjective

Etymology

Origin of arouse

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

Explanation

Although the verb arouse basically means "to wake up," it is usually not accomplished with an alarm clock. A patriotic song might arouse your love of country, and a new idea might arouse your imagination. The word comes from an Old French word meaning "stir up, awaken," and anything that arouses your mind or heart can awaken something in you; for example, the prospect of an exciting experience may arouse your sense of adventure. Arouse can also be used with negative feelings. A sneaky look might arouse your suspicion, or rejection might arouse a sense of bitterness. However, usually, arouse carries with it a sense of excitement, of bringing something to life.

Example Sentences

They may arouse the ire of politicians and the public, but they also do much that is useful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 19, 2025

Hwang uses it to fill time and arouse suspicion, but there is little narrative heft from this plotline until the finale.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2024

Local media reports that a 40-year-old man was arrested on Sunday and an investigation opened into the possible passing of "intelligence to a foreign power in order to arouse hostilities in France".

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2024

After his release in February 2023, the director began formulating a plan to shoot “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” in a clandestine fashion, with a small crew, so as not to arouse suspicion.

From New York Times • May 25, 2024

The American Congress, the country’s doctrine of separation of powers, as well as the independence of its judiciary, arouse in me similar sentiments.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

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