Meaning of Word: Arouse
Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Arouse (verb): To stir up or activate, causing a feeling, response, or reaction.
- Arouse (verb): To wake someone from sleep or inactivity.
- Arouse (verb): To bring attention to something or provoke an emotional or physical response.
History and Origin:
The word “arouse” comes from the Old French arouser, meaning “to stir up” or “to awaken,” derived from the Latin ad (to) and rugire (to roar), originally meaning to wake or rouse from sleep. It entered English in the 14th century, initially with the meaning of “to awake” and later expanded to refer to both physical and emotional stimulation.
Detailed Explanation:
“Arouse” is used to describe the action of triggering a reaction, feeling, or awareness. It often refers to awakening someone from sleep or a state of inactivity, but it can also describe the initiation of emotions such as excitement, anger, or curiosity. The term has a broad application, from physical arousal (like waking someone up) to emotional arousal (like stirring up interest or passion). In some contexts, “arouse” can also refer to sexual stimulation, though this is only one specific usage.
Example Sentences:
- The loud noise aroused the entire neighborhood from their sleep.
- His remarks aroused a sense of anger among the group.
- The speech aroused a great deal of interest in the topic.
- The documentary aroused deep compassion for the endangered species.
- The unexpected news aroused excitement and curiosity in the crowd.
- The sudden movement aroused the dog from its nap.
- Her passionate performance aroused the audience into a standing ovation.
- The unexpected gesture of kindness aroused feelings of gratitude in her.
- The heated debate aroused strong opinions on both sides.
Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Stimulate – To encourage or provoke a response or reaction.
- Excite – To cause strong feelings of enthusiasm or emotion.
- Activate – To make something start functioning or begin reacting.
- Provoke – To deliberately trigger a response or emotion.
- Incite – To encourage or stir up action or feeling, often with intensity.
Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Awaken – To bring someone or something into a state of alertness or consciousness.
- Rouse – To cause someone to wake or become active, similar to arouse.
- Stir – To cause movement or action, especially of emotions or thoughts.
- Inspire – To motivate or stimulate someone to take action or feel a particular way.
- Arousal – The state of being stirred or excited, particularly in emotional or physical contexts.
Antonyms:
- Calm – To make someone or something peaceful or relaxed.
- Sedate – To tranquilize or make inactive, often through calming means.
- Suppress – To hold back or prevent an emotion or reaction.
- Dull – To make less intense or exciting.
- Subdue – To overpower or bring under control, especially in terms of feelings or actions.