arouse

[uh-rouz]

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.

verb (used without object)

aroused, arousing 

1. to awake or become aroused.

   At dawn the farmers began to arouse.

arouse

/ əˈraʊz /

verb

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

2. to awaken from sleep

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of arouse¹

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

Example Sentences

The following day, he attempted to kiss the girl, placed his hand on her thigh and became "visibly aroused" when asking her to kiss her friend.

From BBC

However, the judge said the Kebatu became "visibly aroused" when he asked the girl to kiss another child in front of him on 8 July.

From BBC

He also said: "I wanna kill so badly, watching pathetic maggots die arouses me."

From BBC

So when a Prague landmark is slated for demolition or reconstruction, it invariably arouses strong passions.

From BBC

Their only sin, as things stand, is arousing disgust.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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