verb B2 Upper-Intermediate

arouse

uh-ROWZ

Arouse (verb) means to stir up or bring about a feeling, reaction, or interest.

verb

To stir up or bring about a feeling, reaction, or interest.

"The strange noise aroused her suspicion."

"His speech aroused strong emotions in the crowd."

To sexually excite someone.

"The scent of her perfume aroused him instantly."

To wake someone from sleep.

"A loud crash aroused him from a deep sleep."

How to use arouse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo stir up a feeling or reaction — suspicion, interest, excitement, or being woken up.

Common pairings

arouse suspicion arouse interest arouse curiosity

Word forms

aroused past tense, arouses singular

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Etymology

Formed in English from a- plus "rouse".

Synonyms

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fire sex wake raise awake stir brace stimulate provoke kindle invoke evoke

Related words

support fire term space sex match technology suggest

Rhymes for arouse

use muse ruse fuse abuse mouse cause house louse pause amuse douse

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of arouse?

"arouse" (verb) means to stir up or bring about a feeling, reaction, or interest.

What is another word for arouse?

Other words for "arouse" include fire, sex, wake, raise, awake, stir.

What are the different meanings of arouse?

"arouse" has 3 main meanings: 1. To stir up or bring about a feeling, reaction, or interest; 2. To sexually excite someone; 3. To wake someone from sleep.

How do you use arouse in a sentence?

Example: "The strange noise aroused her suspicion."

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