arouse

views updated May 29 2018

a·rouse / əˈrouz/ • v. [tr.] 1. evoke or awaken (a feeling, emotion, or response): something about the man aroused the guard's suspicions. ∎  excite or provoke (someone) to anger or strong emotions: an ability to influence the audience and to arouse the masses. ∎  excite (someone) sexually.2. awaken (someone) from sleep.DERIVATIVES: a·rous·al / -zəl/ n.

arouse

views updated May 21 2018

arouse XVI. f. A-3 + ROUSE, after rise, arise, wake, awake.

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