Arouse Definition & Meaning

arouse
verb
  1. call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses); "arouse pity"; "raise a smile"; "evoke sympathy"
  2. stop sleeping; "She woke up to the sound of the alarm clock"
  3. summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic; "raise the specter of unemployment"; "he conjured wild birds in the air"; "call down the spirits from the mountain"
  4. cause to be alert and energetic; "Coffee and tea stimulate me"; "This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate"
  5. cause to become awake or conscious; "He was roused by the drunken men in the street"; "Please wake me at 6 AM."
  6. to begin moving, "As the thunder started the sleeping children began to stir"
  7. stimulate sexually; "This movie usually arouses the male audience"

Usage tips for "arouse"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "arouse" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for arouse to find words that pair well.

Use "arouse" in a verse

Now that you know what "arouse" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

Look up another word