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Definition of arouse

arouse

/əˈraʊz/
a · rouse
Adverb:arousingly
•
Adjective:aroused
•
Past Simple:aroused
•
Past Participle:aroused
•
Present Participle:arousing
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arouse Lexical Profile

arouse Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To evoke or awaken a feeling, emotion, or response.

Example

"The sudden change in the company's financial strategy began to arouse suspicion among the shareholders."

2

To excite or stimulate someone sexually.

Example

"The romantic novel was written to captivate and arouse its readers."

3

To awaken someone from sleep or a state of inactivity.

Example

"The loud knocking on the front door finally managed to arouse the sleeping watchman."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for arouse

• Nearby Words

aronia
around
arousal
arouse
arowana
arpeggio
arracacha

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century from the intensive prefix 'a-' (as in 'arise' or 'awake') combined with the verb 'rouse', which originally served as a hawking term meaning to shake the feathers.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Arouse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/arouse
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