rouse

1 of 3

verb

ˈrau̇z 

roused; rousing

transitive verb

1

a

: to arouse from or as if from sleep or repose : awaken

b

: to stir up : excite

was roused to fury

2

archaic : to cause to break from cover

intransitive verb

1

: to become aroused : awaken

2

: to become stirred

rousement

ˈrau̇z-mənt 

noun

rouser noun

rouse

2 of 3

noun (1)

: an act or instance of rousing

especially : an excited stir

rouse

3 of 3

noun (2)

1

archaic : carousal

2

obsolete : drink, toast

Synonyms

Verb

• arouse
• awake
• awaken
• knock up [British]
• wake
• waken

Examples of rouse in a Sentence

Verb

I've been unable to rouse her.

I was so tired I could barely rouse myself to prepare dinner.

These animals are dangerous when roused.

She was roused to anger by their indifference.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The 67th annual Grammy Awards kicked off Sunday night with a rousing tribute to Los Angeles − the ceremony's longtime host and a city in crisis. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025

Many devotees have been clamoring for a tour for the lively country album, especially following the rousing success of the RenaissanceWorld Tour in support of her dance album. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 Feb. 2025

The campaign was a rousing success, and Roof Space has gone on to become rising star in the European rooftop tent (RTT) market. —New Atlas, 1 Feb. 2025

Tuesday’s fire ignited in the middle of the night, rousing residents from their beds, as the region was under a red flag warning. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, to shake the feathers

Noun (2)

alteration (from misdivision of to drink carouse) of carouse

First Known Use

Verb

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Noun (1)

1764, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

rouse

verb

ˈrau̇z

roused; rousing

1

: awake entry 1 sense 1

2

: to make or become active : stir up