Rouse
raʊz
Definitions
2 meaningsTo wake someone up or cause them to become active or alert.
raʊz
To awaken or cause someone to awaken from sleep.
The smell of coffee rouses him from his slumber.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're having a super comfy nap, and someone gently wakes you up. That's what 'rouse' means! It’s like waking up someone who's been sleeping soundly, like when your mom calls you in the morning.
👶 For kids: To wake someone up from sleeping.
More Examples
She tried to rouse her sleepy friend.
The loud music roused the neighbors.
How It's Used
"The alarm clock rouses me from a deep sleep every morning."
"The dawn chorus rouses the birds from their slumber."
To excite or provoke someone or something into a state of action or emotion.
raʊz
To provoke or incite to action or emotion.
The protest leader's speech roused the crowd to anger.
💡 Simply: Imagine giving a great pep talk to a team before a big game! You're trying to 'rouse' them, get them pumped up to give their best. It’s when you use words or actions to get someone excited, angry, or ready to do something.
👶 For kids: To get someone excited or ready to do something.
More Examples
The coach's motivational speech roused the team's spirits.
The challenge roused his competitive nature.
How It's Used
"The politician's speech roused the crowd to action."
"The call to arms roused the citizens to defend their city."
Idioms & expressions
rouse up
To awaken or wake someone up, especially from sleep.
"It's time to rouse up the kids for school."
From Middle English rousen, rysen, from Old English rāsan (“to rush, rage, storm”), from Proto-Germanic *rūzōną (“to stir, shake”).
Used from Old English times to describe a sudden stirring or awakening.
Memory tip
Think of rousing someone from their nap - you're shaking them awake!
Word Origin
"To shake, stir, or excite."